Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious treat that brings the warm flavors of fall right to your kitchen. They are soft, moist, and bursting with pumpkin goodness. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a sweet and creamy touch that perfectly complements the spiced bars. Whether for a cozy family gathering, a bake sale, or just a special treat at home, these bars are a great choice. They are also easy to make and sure to please everyone’s taste buds!
how to make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting them with the cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into bars and serve.
how to serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles and place them on a nice serving plate. They make a great dessert for gatherings, or you can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
how to store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
tips to make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- For added spice, consider adding nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Don’t skip cooling the bars completely before frosting them. This helps the frosting stay nice and firm.
variation
You can create a healthier version of these pumpkin bars by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar. You can also try different frostings, like a simple glaze or whipped cream, instead of cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great for this recipe and saves you time.
Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them the day before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done baking?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are done.