Description
Libbys pumpkin bars dance with autumn’s warmth, blending spiced cake and silky cream cheese frosting. Comfort meets elegance in each rich, moist square that welcomes seasonal celebration with irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) Libby’s Pumpkin Puree
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 cup (226 grams) Butter (softened)
- 2 cups (240 grams) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) White Sugar
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 5 cups (600 grams) Confectioners’ Sugar
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) Butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Line a 12″x17″ baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring sides are lightly coated with cooking spray for easy release.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs, blending thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Carefully sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, maintaining an even texture.
- Introduce pumpkin puree to the batter, stirring gently until the mixture appears uniform and silky.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, using a toothpick test to confirm doneness – it should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
- While the bars are baking, craft the cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a mixer, blending until completely smooth.
- Incrementally add powdered sugar to the frosting, mixing continuously. If the consistency appears too thick, incorporate milk one tablespoon at a time until desired spreadability is achieved.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely before applying an even layer of frosting across the entire surface.
- Cut into individual servings and enjoy. Refrigerate remaining bars in an airtight container, which will maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting pumpkin pie spice ratios to match your taste preferences or experiment with homemade spice combinations.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain the original texture and taste.
- Control frosting consistency by gradually adding powdered sugar and milk, creating a spreadable yet stable cream cheese topping that won’t run off the bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg