Fluffy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – Fall Delight!

Autumn’s golden hues spark a craving for sweet, spiced treats that warm the soul.

These delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting dance between comfort and indulgence.

Packed with rich, warm spices and a velvety smooth texture, each bite tells a story of cozy afternoons.

The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of creamy goodness that perfectly complements the tender pumpkin base.

Soft, moist, and bursting with seasonal flavors, these bars are a delightful dessert for any gathering.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, they’ll become your new fall favorite.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let the magic of pumpkin spice sweep you off your feet.

Steps To Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven Preparation

Get your oven warmed up to a toasty 350F. Grab a 9×13 baking pan and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Batter Creation

In a big mixing bowl, blend together the wet ingredients until they’re silky smooth. Grab another bowl and mix your dry ingredients with a gentle touch. Combine both mixtures, stirring just enough to bring everything together. Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want a tender, light bar. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

• Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely – patience is key here.

• Frosting Delight

Whip up your cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until they’re dreamy and smooth. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a fluffy cloud of sweetness.

• Final Touches

Once the bars are cool, slather on that luscious cream cheese frosting. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn happiness.

Tips For Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Baking Brilliance: Insider tips to elevate your pumpkin bars from good to absolutely amazing.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture, helping ingredients blend seamlessly.
• Moisture Master Technique: Don't overmix the batter – stir just until ingredients combine to keep bars tender and prevent tough, dense results. Gentle folding prevents developing extra gluten that can make bars heavy.
• Frosting Flow Hack: Chill cream cheese frosting for 10-15 minutes before spreading to achieve cleaner, more precise application and prevent messy drips.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities. Add an extra pinch of xanthan gum for improved structure and prevent crumbling.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a completely plant-based version that doesn't compromise on incredible flavor.

Serving Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Anytime

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve these delightful pumpkin bars at a fall-themed potluck with friends, creating a warm and inviting dessert centerpiece that screams seasonal comfort.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the bars alongside other fall treats like apple cider donuts or spiced cookies to create a stunning dessert spread that showcases autumn's best flavors.
• Coffee Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, spicy pumpkin bars with a steaming mug of cinnamon-dusted coffee or a creamy chai latte for an ultimate flavor experience that warms the soul.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual bars in cute parchment paper with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a sweet fall treat.

Storage Tips For Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Refrigerator Ready: Store frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These delicious treats can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature Trick: Unfrosted bars can sit on the kitchen counter for 2 days in a sealed container. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bars and frosting separately up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooled bars and frosting in separate containers, then assemble just before serving for maximum flavor and texture freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 206 kcal

Servings: 23

What Goes In Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft texture in the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich, deep flavor and keeps the bars extra moist.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings autumnal warmth, natural sweetness, and vibrant orange color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds subtle aromatic depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the bars.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the bars rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Deliver classic fall spice blend and warm, comforting notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweet, silky texture and helps stabilize frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the frosting's flavor profile with subtle sweetness.

Baking Gear For Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending ingredients and creating a consistent batter.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for evenly baking and presenting the pumpkin bars.
• Parchment Paper: Optional but helpful for easy removal and clean-up.
• Electric Mixer: Great for creating smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe results.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter and frosting evenly in the pan.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking the bars' doneness.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting bars into neat squares.

Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Delightful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting showcase autumn’s warmest spices and seasonal comfort. Creamy frosting complements rich pumpkin base, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice you’ll savor until the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous blend.
3. Dry Ingredient Combination: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
4. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb structure and prevent overmixing.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan while simultaneously creating the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
7. Final Presentation: Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the entire surface, then cut into squares and serve, revealing the spiced, moist interior.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Accurate ingredient measurements ensure the perfect balance of moisture and spice in your pumpkin bars.
• Control Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough, dense bars with a rubbery texture.
• Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish that holds its shape.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 206
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg