Description
Silky pumpkin bars dance with luxurious cream cheese frosting in this seasonal delight. Warm spices and rich textures invite autumn’s comfort, promising a sweet escape that delights with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13-inch pan with a light grease coating or parchment paper lining.
- Create the pumpkin bar base by whisking together liquid oil, both sugar varieties, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
- Separately combine the dry ingredients including flour, leavening agents, warming spices, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of elements.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent tough texture development.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly across the surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test indicating complete cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan, enabling structural stabilization.
- Craft the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, uniform texture.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting develops a light, airy consistency.
- Once the bars have reached room temperature, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
- Slice into individual squares, presenting a delectable autumn-inspired dessert ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure your pumpkin puree is not watery by gently pressing it in a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy bars.
- Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist or use applesauce for a lower-fat version.
- For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same soft texture.
- Enhance spice depth by toasting ground spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter, intensifying their warm, aromatic qualities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg