Description
Seasonal pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with silky frosting, these bars offer comfort in each delectable bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine all dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, blend sugar, vegetable oil, canned pumpkin puree, and eggs until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
- Remove from the oven and allow the baked bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a light, fluffy texture.
- Once the bars have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface in an even layer.
- Cut into individual squares and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant, homemade flavor if possible.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Experiment with spice variations like adding nutmeg or ginger for deeper autumn warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg