Description
These moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a smooth Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a festive, sweet treat. Made with warm spices and pumpkin puree, these bars offer a delightful balance of spice and sweetness with a creamy finishing touch.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars
- 4 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, fine sea salt, and baking soda until thoroughly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Be careful to avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer the dish to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and sweetness.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy this delicious seasonal treat!
Notes
- For best results, do not over-mix the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- The cream cheese and butter should be softened to room temperature to make smooth frosting easier to prepare.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with avocado oil or any other mild-flavored oil.
- Store the pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
