Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to indulge in seasonal treats. One of the best ways to celebrate the flavors of fall is with Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These delicious bars combine the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, topped with a smooth and creamy frosting that is sure to delight everyone. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these pumpkin bars are a fantastic choice.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Bars

1. Perfectly Moist and Flavorful: The addition of pumpkin puree keeps these bars incredibly moist while infusing them with a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip up a batch in no time!
3. Versatile Treat: These pumpkin bars are great for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday potluck, or a simple afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
4. Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the warm pumpkin spice flavors, making every bite an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Bars

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; just thaw before serving.
• Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. Their moist, spiced pumpkin flavor combined with the creamy, tangy frosting makes them a hit for any occasion. Try making these bars for your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time! Enjoy this seasonal treat, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family so they can join in on the fall festivities too!

Here are some helpful serving and storage tips for your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Serving Tips

1. Serving Size: Cut the pumpkin bars into squares for easy serving. A 9×13 inch pan typically yields about 16-20 squares, depending on your preferred size.
2. Garnishing: Enhance the presentation by garnishing each bar with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped pecans, or walnuts. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Pairing Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a perfect fall treat. They also complement vanilla ice cream beautifully for a decadent dessert.
4. Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the pumpkin bars at room temperature. If they have been refrigerated, let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. They can be stored this way for up to one week.
2. Freezing: If you want to make these bars in advance or have leftovers, they freeze well. Cut the bars into squares, then wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Thawing: To thaw frozen pumpkin bars, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours until they are fully thawed.
4. Frosting Tip: If you plan to freeze the bars, consider frosting them after thawing to maintain the texture of the cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, you can freeze the bars unfrosted and frost them just before serving.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh and delicious for days to come!

FAQ 1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree in place of canned pumpkin. To make fresh pumpkin puree, roast a pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent your bars from becoming too wet.

FAQ 2: How can I make my pumpkin bars more festive for a holiday gathering?

To make your pumpkin bars more festive, consider adding seasonal spices like ginger or cloves to the batter for extra flavor. You can also top the bars with festive decorations such as edible glitter, candy corn, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. For a holiday twist, serve them alongside a spiced whipped cream.

FAQ 3: Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free pumpkin bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you use has a good binding agent (like xanthan gum) to help maintain the structure of the bars.

FAQ 4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pumpkin bars ahead of time! They can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, it’s best to frost them after thawing to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and smooth.

Print