Cozy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – Fall Joy

Cozy autumn afternoons call for delightful pumpkin bars that dance with creamy, sweet layers of comfort.

Seasonal spices weave magic through each tender bite, promising warmth and nostalgia.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this delectable treat that brings memories flooding back.

Soft pumpkin-infused cake creates a perfect canvas for luxurious cream cheese frosting.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these bars accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Rich, moist textures blend seamlessly with classic fall flavors that everyone adores.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this irresistible dessert that feels like a sweet autumn embrace.

Pumpkin Bars With Frosting Highlights

• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spiced treat that captures the essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin flavor and cozy spice blend.
• Whip Up with Ease: Enjoy a simple, straightforward recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight family and friends with a versatile dessert that works beautifully for potlucks, gatherings, or a sweet weekend indulgence.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Create a delectable dessert with basic ingredients and minimal prep time, ensuring a stress-free baking experience that delivers maximum flavor.

Pumpkin Bars With Frosting Ingredients

• Flour: A foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the pumpkin bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the dessert.
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers rich pumpkin flavor and moisture to the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar's soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bars remain moist and tender.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spices that create a traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the bars.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Provide sweetness and depth to the cream cheese frosting.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and create a light, airy texture.

Pumpkin Bars With Frosting How To Make

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the bars chill completely before adding frosting.

Patience is key here!

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled bars.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn deliciousness!

Pumpkin Bars With Frosting Tips

• Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantee the perfect texture and taste of your pumpkin bars.
• Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing, helping them blend smoothly and creating a more uniform batter.
• Insert a toothpick near the center of the bars; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfectly baked and will remain tender.
• Refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing, making clean-cut squares and preventing the cream cheese frosting from smearing.
• Increase or decrease ground spices according to personal preference, allowing you to customize the flavor intensity of your pumpkin bars.

Pumpkin Bars With Frosting Variations

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Squares: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treat: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert option.
• Keto Pumpkin Bars: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and make a cream cheese frosting with sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb alternative.

Serving Pumpkin Bars With Frosting

• Autumn Gathering Delight: Serve these bars at a cozy fall potluck with friends, where the warm spices will complement other seasonal treats.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create an elegant dessert board with these pumpkin bars alongside fresh apple slices, caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
• Coffee Companion Bliss: Pair these bars with a hot cappuccino or spiced chai latte for a delightful afternoon break that celebrates autumn's rich flavors.
• Holiday Gifting Magic: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and seasonal cheer.

Storing Pumpkin Bars With Frosting

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars or whole pan in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep frosted bars at room temperature for 2-3 hours. For longer storage, immediately refrigerate to maintain frosting's texture and prevent spoilage.
• Warm individual bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can substitute fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin for canned puree. Just ensure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the pumpkin bars.

• How do I know when the pumpkin bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bars are done. They should look set and slightly golden around the edges.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with silky frosting, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Frosting:

• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a light texture.
5. Transfer batter into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
7. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents frosting from melting.
8. Create frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
9. Once bars are thoroughly cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the surface using an offset spatula.
10. Slice into square portions and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which can make bars soggy.
• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains moisture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising texture.
• Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to personal preference, creating a customized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 237
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 129 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg