Description
These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of spiced pumpkin with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Soft, moist, and bursting with seasonal flavors, these bars are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday desserts, or just indulging in a bit of autumn nostalgia. The recipe is simple to follow, making it a great choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. With flexible options for mix-ins and spice adjustments, these bars can easily be customized to fit your personal taste.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, beat together sugars and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5️⃣ While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and well combined.
6️⃣ Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is recommended for convenience and consistent texture, but homemade puree can be used if preferred. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
- Spices: The recipe uses a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, but feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your preferences. You can also use a pre-mixed pumpkin spice blend for ease.
- Mix-ins: To add texture and extra flavor, try folding in chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), chocolate chips, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Each variation brings its own unique twist to the bars.
- Frosting: The cream cheese frosting provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. For an even more autumnal flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or swapping in maple syrup for part of the powdered sugar.
- Storage: These bars should be refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting, but they also freeze well. You can freeze the bars unfrosted and then add the frosting once thawed for an extra fresh taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as they are, or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel for added decadence.