Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin bars are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and lightened in color, about 2 minutes. Mix in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. If desired, add a pinch of salt to taste.

3. Frost the Bars:

1. Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Cut into bars and serve.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!