Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a quintessential fall treat, combining the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the sweet, creamy richness of cream cheese frosting. These bars are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, making them a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a festive treat to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a seasonal dessert, these pumpkin bars are sure to satisfy.
The recipe is straightforward and yields a dessert that is both comforting and decadent. Here’s how you can make these irresistible Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the pumpkin bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the pumpkin bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also gives the bars a wonderfully moist texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for the frosting process, as spreading frosting on warm bars can cause it to melt.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your frosting.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. This will ensure your frosting is rich and spreadable.
- Frost the pumpkin bars:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. The frosting adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin flavor.
- Cut into squares and serve. Each square is a perfect portion, making these bars ideal for sharing.
