Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for autumn gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet, spiced treat. The soft, spiced pumpkin base is complemented by a rich and creamy layer of classic cream cheese frosting, creating a delectable dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted and cooled
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger until everything is evenly combined. Set the mixture aside.
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter either in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave or on the stove in a saucepan. Let the melted butter cool for about 10 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the cooled melted butter to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until the batter is smooth and creamy, with no dry flour pockets remaining.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a thicker baking dish instead of a jelly roll pan, baking time might be slightly longer. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
- Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the pan used; check doneness with a toothpick.
- For a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
