Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pumpkin bars are a beloved seasonal treat, combining the comforting taste of pumpkin with the perfect balance of spices. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are an irresistible dessert that will leave your friends and family asking for seconds. Ready to dive into the world of pumpkin goodness? Keep reading to learn how to make these delightful pumpkin bars, along with tips and tricks to perfect this recipe every time!

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What Are Pumpkin Bars?

Pumpkin bars are a dessert bar that features pumpkin puree as the star ingredient, combined with fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These bars are typically baked in a large pan and cut into squares, making them perfect for serving at gatherings or as an easy weeknight treat. What sets pumpkin bars apart is their dense, cake-like texture, which stays incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree. The bars are finished with a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

To make these irresistible pumpkin bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree – The key ingredient that gives these bars their moist, rich pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin puree is the easiest option, but homemade works too if you prefer.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and enhances moisture due to its molasses content.
• ½ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the bars tender and moist.
• 4 large eggs – Adds structure and acts as a binder for all the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor profile.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient that gives the bars their structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise for a light, fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder to ensure a proper rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A must-have spice for any pumpkin dish, adding warmth and depth.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Gives the bars a slightly nutty, warm flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – A small but powerful spice that adds a deep, aromatic warmth to the bars.

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

The creamy, tangy frosting is what takes these bars to the next level. Here’s what you need for the perfect cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The foundation of the frosting, adding richness and tang.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds extra creaminess and helps the frosting spread smoothly.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while giving it a smooth, silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhances the overall flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin bars are a versatile dessert, and there are several ways to make substitutions or add variations to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and vegan butter. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese frosting recipe or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar and brown sugar by ¼ cup each for a less sweet option. You can also try using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a sweetener like monk fruit.
• Add-ins: Try mixing in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can toss in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun twist.
• Spice Variation: If you're a fan of spiced desserts, feel free to add a pinch more of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can even add a bit of allspice or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect pumpkin bars:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, and it helps prevent lumps in the batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix the batter; just stir until everything is combined.
5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
8. Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin bars is fairly simple, but there are a few mistakes to watch out for to ensure you get perfect results every time:

• Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. This can lead to dense, tough bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars can cause the frosting to melt and become runny. Always let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
• Using the Wrong Type of Pumpkin: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out for clean slicing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin bars are the ultimate comfort food, but with the right serving and presentation, they can also be the star of your dessert table.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars are best served slightly chilled, as it helps the cream cheese frosting set and makes the bars easier to cut. For a special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

• Rustic Charm: Serve the bars on a wooden tray or platter for a cozy, rustic fall look. Scatter some cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins around for decoration.
• Elegant Display: For a more elegant presentation, use a cake stand to display the bars and garnish them with edible flowers or gold sprinkles.
• Party-Ready: If you’re serving these at a party, you can cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered serving tray.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to make your pumpkin bars even better:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re making these bars for a large group, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
• Freezing Tip: Pumpkin bars freeze well! Simply freeze them without frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw, frost, and enjoy when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You may need to strain it to remove excess moisture.

Can I make pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Pumpkin bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to frost them until the day you plan to serve them.

How do I store pumpkin bars?

Store the frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze pumpkin bars?

Yes! Freeze unfrosted pumpkin bars for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and add the frosting before serving.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars are a must-try fall dessert that brings together the best flavors of the season. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. With moist, spiced pumpkin cake and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and start baking your delicious pumpkin bars today!

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