why make this recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting are a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. With their warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, these bars provide a soft and moist texture that everyone loves. The creamy cheese frosting adds a sweet and tangy touch, making each bite irresistible. This recipe is simple to follow, and the end result is sure to impress friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh pumpkin puree!
how to make Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure for the bars.)
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (Essential for sweetness.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Helps the bars rise.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Adds warmth and depth.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Enhances flavor profile.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness.)
- 2 large Eggs (Bind ingredients together.)
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (Keeps bars moist.)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (For the frosting.)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened for frosting.)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Sweetens the frosting.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances frosting flavor.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares or rectangles.
how to serve Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
Serve the pumpkin bars at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch. These treats are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in.
how to store Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
To store the pumpkin bars, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-frosted bars for up to three months. Just thaw them before frosting and serving.
tips to make Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
- Make sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for best results.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger along with the spices.
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
variation
You can make these pumpkin bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or even some chopped fresh ginger. If you want a chocolate twist, swirl some melted chocolate into the batter before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-drained and has a smooth texture.
Q: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or add a bit more cream cheese or butter for balance.
Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
Delicious and comforting pumpkin bars topped with creamy cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Make sure to measure the flour correctly for best results. Optional spices include ground cloves or ginger. Consider adding nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg