PUMPKIN BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
These Pumpkin Bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall and any time you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sweeteners.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a more complex flavor.
- Frosting Alternatives: For a different twist, try using a maple-flavored cream cheese frosting by adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the frosting mixture.
- Make-Ahead: The pumpkin bars can be baked a day in advance and frosted just before serving. Store the bars covered in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 5 days.