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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously moist pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for autumn gatherings and family memories.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 cup sugar Simple sugar for sweetness and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
  • 2 large eggs Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure; do not substitute with cake flour.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps bars rise.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Enhances rise and texture.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Creates a warm fall aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balancing agent.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened) Mix at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • 1/4 cup butter (softened) Base for a creamy frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Creates perfect frosting consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) Brings flavor together.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat together until silky smooth.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

Baking

  • Bake for about 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Slowly add powdered sugar and remaining vanilla extract until creamy.
  • Spread the frosting generously over the cooled pumpkin bars.

Serving

  • Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze these bars for up to three months; thaw overnight before frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
Keyword Comfort Food, Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Baking, Fall Desserts, Pumpkin Bars
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