Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Pumpkin desserts have a long and cherished history in American cuisine, dating back to early settlers who embraced the versatile pumpkin as a staple ingredient. From pies to breads, pumpkin quickly became a symbol of autumn and harvest celebrations. Among the many pumpkin-based treats, pumpkin bars have earned a special place in seasonal baking due to their simplicity and rich, comforting flavor.

Pumpkin bars are particularly popular during the fall season, when pumpkins are in abundance, and the cool weather calls for warm, spiced desserts. The combination of sweet pumpkin and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a deliciously fragrant and moist treat. Adding a layer of smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting takes the dessert to another level, offering a perfect balance between sweetness and spice.

In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make classic, old-fashioned pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day.

Why These Pumpkin Bars Stand Out

What makes these pumpkin bars truly special is their old-fashioned charm. This recipe has been passed down through generations, embodying the nostalgia of homemade desserts that evoke memories of family traditions and warm kitchens. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make these bars accessible to both seasoned bakers and beginners. Plus, the rich, moist texture paired with the creamy frosting is irresistible.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars

• Pumpkin Puree: The foundation of these bars is pumpkin puree, which provides both moisture and flavor. Using canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, but homemade puree can also be used for a fresher taste. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
• Spices: The warm, cozy flavor of pumpkin bars comes from a blend of classic fall spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices elevate the pumpkin flavor and provide a comforting, nostalgic aroma that is essential to the recipe.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bars structure. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure to avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
• Leavening Agents: Baking soda and baking powder work together to help the bars rise, ensuring a soft, tender crumb. These agents create air pockets in the batter, keeping the bars from being too dense.
• Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar is used for sweetness and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, while granulated sugar helps balance the sweetness.
• Butter or Oil: Both fats contribute to the moisture and richness of the bars. Butter adds a rich flavor, while oil keeps the bars extra moist. You can choose based on personal preference or dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for creating a smooth and rich frosting. It adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet pumpkin bars.
• Butter: Butter helps to create a creamy texture and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese. It also helps the frosting set and stay spreadable.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting while also giving it a smooth, silky texture. It dissolves easily into the cream cheese and butter mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting, adding depth and warmth to complement the pumpkin bars.

Tools Needed

• Baking pan (9×13): A standard 9×13 pan provides the perfect size for baking these bars.
• Mixing bowls and electric mixer: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Spatula and whisk: Useful for folding ingredients and spreading frosting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure a successful recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Pumpkin Bars

Prepping the Ingredients

1. Preparing the Pumpkin Puree: Whether using canned or homemade puree, ensure it’s ready to go. Measure out the required amount (usually around 1 cup) and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients, both dry (flour, baking soda, spices) and wet (butter, eggs, pumpkin).
2. Setting Up the Baking Space: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Pumpkin, Butter/Oil, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This step ensures the mixture is well blended, which helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the bars.
2. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a light, airy texture in the bars and helps bind the ingredients together.

Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
2. Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the flour is incorporated and no dry streaks remain.

Baking the Pumpkin Bars

1. Pour Batter into the Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13 pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the bars should spring back when gently pressed.
3. Check for Doneness: Ensure the bars are fully baked by testing with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Softening the Cream Cheese and Butter

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they blend together smoothly without lumps, creating a silky frosting.
2. Softening Tips: If your cream cheese or butter is too cold, leave them out for 30 minutes to an hour before starting. Avoid microwaving them, as that can cause uneven softening and affect the frosting’s texture.

Mixing the Frosting Ingredients

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the frosting, making it smoother and more spreadable.
2. Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Slowly add powdered sugar, a little at a time, to prevent clumping. Beat on low speed to combine, then increase to medium-high speed to achieve a fluffy consistency.
3. Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Add a splash of vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is creamy and well-mixed.

Adjusting the Frosting Consistency

1. Thickening or Thinning: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
2. Smooth Spreading Tips: To make the frosting easier to spread, ensure it’s at room temperature and has the right consistency. Use an offset spatula for a smooth, even application.

Assembling and Serving the Pumpkin Bars

Cooling the Pumpkin Bars

1. Let Bars Cool Completely: It’s crucial to allow the pumpkin bars to cool fully in the pan. If you frost them while they are still warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt, resulting in a messy, uneven layer.
2. Avoiding Warm Bars: Waiting for the bars to cool may be tempting, but frosting them too soon can ruin the presentation and texture of the dessert.

Frosting the Bars

1. Even Frosting Application: Once the bars have cooled, use a spatula or offset knife to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Aim for a smooth layer that covers the bars completely.
2. Creating a Professional Finish: For a clean, professional finish, frost the bars in a single direction. Avoid overworking the frosting to prevent air bubbles.

Cutting and Serving the Pumpkin Bars

1. Cutting Clean Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean, even squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife between cuts to ensure neat edges.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve the bars as they are, or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra festive touch.

Storage and Leftover Tips

1. Storing in the Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration, and the bars will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
2. Freezing the Bars: For longer storage, freeze the frosted bars in a single layer before wrapping individually in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Pumpkin Spice Mix Options

One of the best aspects of pumpkin bars is the ability to tailor the spice mix to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon. For a more complex spice profile, you can increase the amounts of ginger or nutmeg. Cloves add a deep warmth but can be overpowering, so adjust accordingly if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made pumpkin spice mix for a simpler option.

Adding Mix-Ins

Pumpkin bars can be enhanced with various mix-ins that add texture and flavor. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, introduce a crunchy contrast to the soft bars. If you prefer a sweeter twist, chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can be mixed into the batter. Raisins or dried cranberries also provide a chewy and slightly tart element. Each of these additions changes the texture of the bars slightly, creating a new and unique flavor experience.

Alternative Frosting Ideas

If you’re looking for something different from the traditional cream cheese frosting, consider trying a maple frosting for a rich, caramel-like sweetness. A cinnamon buttercream frosting also complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. For a lighter option, a simple vanilla glaze can be drizzled over the bars instead of a thick frosting, offering a more understated sweetness.

Tips and Troubleshooting for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Preventing Dense or Dry Pumpkin Bars

To ensure your pumpkin bars stay light and moist, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing develops too much gluten in the flour, resulting in dense bars. Additionally, make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F, and check the bars for doneness at the lower end of the recommended baking time (25 minutes). Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so keep a close eye on them as they finish baking.

Avoiding Lumpy Frosting

Achieving smooth, lump-free frosting is all about preparation. Start with softened cream cheese and butter to ensure they blend seamlessly. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture helps prevent clumps from forming. Beat the ingredients at a medium-high speed to incorporate air, which makes the frosting light and fluffy.

Fixing Overly Sweet or Too Tangy Frosting

If your cream cheese frosting is too sweet, add a little more cream cheese to balance it out. For frosting that’s too tangy, a few extra tablespoons of powdered sugar will help mellow the flavor. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your preferences.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as a substitute for canned. To make your own puree, roast a pumpkin until tender, remove the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Be sure to strain any excess liquid for the best texture.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. This type of flour is formulated to work just like regular flour and will provide similar results in terms of texture and flavor.

Can I make the bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the bars up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost the bars just before serving for the freshest presentation.

How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done?

Pumpkin bars are done when the edges are firm, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Print