Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting are a delicious treat perfect for fall. They combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich, creamy frosting. These bars are simple to make and great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home.
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
These pumpkin bars are delicious served at room temperature. You can enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even with a cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for a lovely garnish!
How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars carefully in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bars soft.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
Variation
You can try adding a cup of walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch. Additionally, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are ready.