Description
Deliciously moist and spiced pumpkin bars topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 4 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 7/8 cup vegetable oil
- 15 ounce can pumpkin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened/slightly cold
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the pumpkin bars don’t stick after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue mixing for another 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and consistent.
- Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13 pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the top appears matte and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the frosting: While the pumpkin bars are baking or cooling, beat the softened butter on high speed for about 2 minutes until creamy. Add the softened cream cheese and beat again until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add flavor and sweetness to frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth without lumps.
- Frost the pumpkin bars: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top to create a creamy finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy these spiced, moist pumpkin bars with a luscious frosting perfect for fall or any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for smooth frosting consistency; if butter is too soft, frosting can be too runny.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the bars.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
- Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
