Description
These pumpkin bars are the ultimate fall dessert: a moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not overmix).
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Add milk a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach spreading consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- To make ahead, bake and cool the bars, then refrigerate unfrosted for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 55