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