Description
This recipe features moist and tender pumpkin bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting These bars offer a perfect balance of warm spices and sweetness making them ideal for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert The texture is soft yet sturdy enough to hold each slice while the frosting adds a smooth and tangy contrast enhancing the overall flavor experience
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter or grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, beating after each addition, until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add up to 1 more cup of powdered sugar.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars and cut into rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting notes
Avoid overbaking to keep bars moist
Chill frosting before spreading for easier handling
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
Store in airtight container to maintain freshness
Cut bars when fully cooled to prevent crumbling
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280