Why Make This Recipe
These Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave something sweet and spiced. The moist pumpkin bars are easy to make, and when topped with a creamy frosting, they become a favorite dessert for everyone. They blend the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich cream cheese topping, making them hard to resist!
How to Make Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients by folding gently until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting with a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk blended until smooth.
How to Serve Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve the pumpkin bars chilled or at room temperature, cut into squares. They go great with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for an afternoon snack or dessert. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor before serving.
How to Store Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them without frosting. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Tips to Make Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Feel free to use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it’s well-drained.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a little extra texture.
Variation
You can change things up by adding a layer of chocolate chips to the batter or using flavored extracts like almond instead of vanilla in the frosting. Another idea is to top the bars with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to cook and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to replace the regular flour.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has wet batter on it, keep baking for a few more minutes.
Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Delightful pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and a favorite dessert for everyone.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients by folding gently until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting with a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk blended until smooth.
Notes
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg