Indulgent Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Autumn’s crisp whispers bring pumpkin bars dancing into our kitchen with irresistible charm.

Cozy aromas drift through the house, promising delectable comfort.

Warm spices and sweet memories weave together in this delightful treat.

Soft, moist textures promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes hearts sing.

Your dessert adventure begins right here, with a recipe that celebrates seasonal magic.

Ready to experience pure deliciousness?

Steps to Bake Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Baking Arena

Get your oven heated to 350F and give your 9×13-inch baking pan a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Liquid Gold Base

In a roomy mixing bowl, blend vegetable oil and sugar until they transform into a silky smooth mixture that looks like liquid sunshine.

Step 3: Introduce Pumpkin Goodness

Fold in the pumpkin puree and eggs, stirring with love until everything mingles perfectly and looks harmoniously combined.

Step 4: Craft the Magical Dry Blend

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Salt

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Vanilla Charm

Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a warm, inviting aroma to your creation.

Step 7: Pan and Spread

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly like a smooth landscape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely – patience is key for the ultimate texture.

Step 10: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth as silk.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix until the frosting becomes creamy and irresistible.

Step 11: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and slice into perfect squares of happiness.

Frosting Tips for Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer, more tropical flavor profile that complements the warm pumpkin spices.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily across the bars.
• For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same texture and consistency.
• Enhance the spice blend by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex and sophisticated flavor dimension.

Switch Up Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Flavors

• Autumn Spice Upgrade: Add extra warm spices like cardamom and allspice for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top of the frosting for texture.
• Maple Drizzle Sensation: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup and drizzle maple glaze over the cream cheese frosting for rich sweetness.
• Chocolate Chip Harvest: Mix dark or white chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter before baking for an indulgent chocolate element.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting – Serving Options

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Showcase
• Warm gathering treat perfect for family potlucks and holiday celebrations. These pumpkin bars create instant comfort with rich spices and creamy frosting.
• Weekend Brunch Companion
• Slice bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for elegant morning pastry platters. Pair with hot coffee or spiced chai tea for delightful weekend indulgence.
• Gifting Delights
• Package bars in cute clear boxes with autumn-themed ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts. Great for teachers, neighbors, or seasonal party contributions.
• Seasonal Party Centerpiece
• Arrange bars on rustic wooden boards with cinnamon sticks and fall leaves for beautiful dessert presentation. Guests will adore these nostalgic seasonal sweets that capture pure autumn essence.

Storing Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Is Easy

• Store frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted pumpkin bar pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding frosting and serving.
• Cut bars into squares, place parchment paper between layers, and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw individual bars at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• What makes these pumpkin bars different from other desserts?

These bars combine warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with creamy cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that capture the essence of fall baking.

• Are these pumpkin bars healthy?

While delicious, they’re a treat with sugar and butter. They do contain pumpkin, which offers nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, but should be enjoyed in moderation as a dessert.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the right texture and consistency.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Will Impress

• Recreate Your Favorite Costco Treat: Bring the beloved Costco Chicken Bake right into your kitchen with this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that captures all the delicious flavors you crave.
• Master a Restaurant-Style Dish at Home: Impress your family and friends with a homemade version that tastes just like the original, proving you can create restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prep and Gatherings: Ideal for preparing ahead of time, this dish serves multiple people and works wonderfully for potlucks, game days, or casual family dinners.

The Essentials for Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Provides moisture and helps create a tender texture in the pumpkin bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist crumb.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Brings rich pumpkin flavor and moisture to the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the baked dessert.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the main structure of the pumpkin bars.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Provide warm, classic pumpkin spice flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Seasonal Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting bring autumn comfort to dessert tables across North America. Rich spices and creamy frosting create a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease for optimal non-stick results.
2. Combine vegetable oil and sugar in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate canned pumpkin puree and eggs into the oil-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) with salt to ensure even distribution.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
6. Introduce vanilla extract, gently stirring to distribute the aromatic flavor throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
9. Allow the baked bars to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 1-2 hours.
10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until they form a light, smooth consistency.
11. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.
12. Generously apply the cream cheese frosting across the cooled pumpkin bars, using an offset spatula for even coverage.
13. Slice into square portions, serving at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap oil with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains moisture and adds natural sweetness.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these bars completely gluten-free without compromising texture or taste.
• Reduce sugar by replacing half with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of frosting for extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the warm pumpkin spices.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg