The aroma of pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn day. Imagine biting into a soft, moist piece of heaven topped with creamy frosting that dances upon your taste buds, making every bite an experience to remember.
These delightful pumpkin bars have the uncanny ability to transport you back to family gatherings where laughter fills the room, and the dessert table is piled high with delicious treats. Whether it’s Halloween or Thanksgiving, these bars are the perfect sweet treat to share and enjoy with friends and family while sipping on warm cider.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip up these pumpkin bars in no time at all.
- Their rich flavor profile combines warm spices and creamy goodness for an irresistible treat.
- The visual appeal will have everyone swooning over their golden hue and luscious frosting.
- Perfect for any occasion, these bars are versatile enough to shine at parties or cozy family dinners.
Sharing these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting always gets rave reviews from my family; they devour them faster than I can bake a new batch.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin for the best flavor—avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added spices and sugar.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sift it beforehand for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for deeper flavors.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh; it’s crucial for that perfect rise.
- Cinnamon: The star spice here! Use freshly ground cinnamon if possible for optimal flavor.
- Eggs: They provide moisture and richness—always use large eggs unless specified otherwise.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture without altering the flavor; you can substitute applesauce for a healthier twist.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting! Let it sit out before using so it mixes smoothly.
- Powdered Sugar: This gives your frosting that lovely sweetness without grit; sifted is best!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting
Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This creates a nice base for your batter.
Create the Batter: In another large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add in the canned pumpkin puree and eggs one at a time. Stir until smooth and creamy—your kitchen should start smelling divine!
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing leads to dense bars—not what we want.
Bake Those Bars: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While those delicious pumpkin bars cool down, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy. This fluffy goodness is what dreams are made of!
Add Frosting & Serve: Once cooled completely (patience is key), spread that heavenly cream cheese frosting over your bars. Cut into squares and serve—watch them disappear fast!
Enjoy making these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! They are bound to become a staple in your home during fall festivities or any day you crave something sweet.
This amazing pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting recipe brings cozy autumn flavors to your kitchen. These bars are moist and delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They’re easy to whip up and will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
Key Tips for Success:
Use fresh pumpkin puree for richer flavor and better texture. Canned pumpkin works, but fresh is unbeatable. I once used canned in a rush, and my bars were good but not great!
Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense bars. Gently fold until just combined. I learned this the hard way after serving a brick-like version that my friends still tease me about.
You Must Know
- Chill your cream cheese frosting before spreading it on the bars.
- This makes it easier to apply and gives it that perfect creamy texture.
- Trust me; a cold frosting is a game changer.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
: Preheat your oven while mixing the ingredients to save time. Bake the pumpkin bars until a toothpick comes out clean, usually around 25-30 minutes.
Add Your Touch
: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor in your pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. You could even sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an added kick of warmth.
Storing & Reheating
: Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are best enjoyed fresh but still hold their charm when stored properly.
- Remember, using room temperature ingredients helps achieve that perfect blend of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
When frosting, let the bars cool completely; this prevents melting and creates that dreamy layer you crave.
Baking these pumpkin bars one fall afternoon brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with warm spices and laughter. Sharing them with friends felt like home.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree?
Yes, store-bought pumpkin puree works well but may lack complexity compared to fresh.
How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Can I freeze these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! They freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic before freezing.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with these luscious pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and moist, these bars are a delightful addition to any gathering or family dinner. With warm spices and a rich texture, they’ll transport you straight to childhood memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. Easy to make and irresistible to share, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add pumpkin puree and eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Once cooled completely, spread frosting over the bars, cut into squares, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use fresh pumpkin puree for enhanced flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy. Customize your pumpkin bars by adding nuts or chocolate chips.
