Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Deliciously moist and flavorful pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet pumpkin treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 15 ounce can pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
- cooking spray
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10”x15” baking pan with parchment paper and coat it lightly with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir thoroughly to blend all dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure the bars remain tender.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the bars are set and lightly browned on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: In the bowl of a mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix for an additional 30 seconds. If frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
- Serve or Store: Cut the frosted bars into squares. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use an offset spatula to ensure both the pumpkin bar batter and frosting are spread in even layers for a uniform look and texture.
- Top your bars with festive fall sprinkles or candy pumpkins to dress them up for seasonal celebrations.
- Do not substitute pumpkin pie filling for pumpkin puree; the filling contains spices and sweeteners that affect the texture and flavor.