Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Fall Delight!

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s something inherently comforting about baking a batch of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert embodies the essence of fall: warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a creamy topping that hits just the right notes. Did you know that pumpkin isn’t just for pie? It’s a versatile ingredient that brings both flavor and moisture to baked goods, making these bars incredibly irresistible.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can whip up these bars in about an hour. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying during cozy gatherings, these bars are bound to be a hit. If you love my Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re going to adore these pumpkin bars. Let’s dive into this fun baking adventure together!

What are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

So, what exactly are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting? They’re like fall in dessert form! Think of a moist cake made with real pumpkin, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes these bars to the next level. But why the name? Well, they’re essentially the pumpkin spice version of brownies, so I guess we could say they’re like a sweet hug from autumn! After all, it’s been said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars might just have that power! So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

There are three standout reasons to fall in love with Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. First, they bring that cozy, spiced flavor to your palate that instantly warms your heart and home. Each bite is an explosion of soft pumpkin goodness paired beautifully with the creamy frosting—pure bliss.

Second, making these bars at home is a cost-effective option compared to buying store-bought desserts or fancy coffee shop treats. Why shell out big bucks when you can create this autumnal delight in your own kitchen?

Lastly, the cream cheese frosting is like the cherry on top! It’s smooth, decadent, and adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices in the bars. If you’re a fan of a classic Apple Crisp, I guarantee you will find a new favorite in these pumpkin delights. So roll up your sleeves and add these scrumptious bars to your baking repertoire!

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Quick Overview

Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a breeze! The best part? You can have these bars ready in about 30 minutes, plus baking time. The recipe is straightforward, resulting in deliciously soft bars, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that everyone will want to devour.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Frost: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.
7. Serve and Enjoy!: Cut into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a sweet snack during your favorite fall activities.

What to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

To elevate your pumpkin bar experience, consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee. If you want to create a seasonal dessert platter, complement these bars with some caramel popcorn or chocolate-covered pretzels for texture and a touch of sweetness. The crunchiness of these sides perfectly balances the softness of the pumpkin bars, making for a delightful treat!

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined—this keeps the bars light and fluffy.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spices and quality pumpkin puree makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving.

By now, you must be excited to whip up a batch of these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Their delightful flavor and simple preparation make them a must-try this fall season. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously soft pumpkin bars topped with creamy and decadent frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour Sifted for better texture
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
• 1 cup granulated sugar Can be adjusted to taste
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed Adds moisture and flavor
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree Ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs Room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Room temperature for easy mixing
• 3 cups powdered sugar Sifted to avoid lumps
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Frosting

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.

Serving

1. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.