Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect autumn treat, combining the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin with the creamy, tangy sweetness of a cream cheese topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for an easy dessert to wow your friends and family, this recipe is a must-try. Read on to discover how to make these delicious pumpkin bars from scratch, complete with step-by-step instructions, variations, and helpful tips to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly every time.

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What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious baked dessert made from spiced pumpkin batter, baked into soft, moist bars and topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. The pumpkin flavor, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pairs perfectly with the tangy and smooth cream cheese. These bars are the ideal dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or anytime you're craving something comforting and delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—minimal prep time, basic ingredients, and a straightforward process—but the result is an incredibly flavorful dessert that tastes far more complex than it is. If you're a pumpkin lover, this recipe is one you’ll want to add to your baking rotation.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

To make the pumpkin bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree – You can use canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) or homemade if you prefer.
• 1 cup of sugar – Granulated sugar provides the sweetness to balance out the spices and pumpkin.
• ½ cup of brown sugar – Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• 4 large eggs – These will bind the ingredients together and help create the right texture for the bars.
• 1 cup of vegetable oil – This keeps the bars moist without adding any extra flavors that could compete with the pumpkin.
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour – This provides the structure for the bars.
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder – Helps the bars rise.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder to give the bars lift.
• ½ teaspoon of salt – Enhances the flavors of the spices and pumpkin.
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon – Essential for adding that classic warm, spiced flavor.
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves – A little goes a long way in adding a rich, aromatic spice.

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

For the cream cheese frosting, you will need:

• 8 oz of cream cheese – Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• ½ cup of unsalted butter – Also softened, this helps to create a smooth, creamy frosting.
• 2 cups of powdered sugar – Provides the sweetness needed to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Adds a subtle vanilla flavor that complements both the pumpkin and the cream cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are already a wonderfully versatile dessert, but you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the right texture.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the flavor too much.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Replace the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Spice Variations: If you love extra spice, consider adding ginger, allspice, or cardamom to the spice mix for a more complex flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out once they’re baked. This ensures that your pumpkin bars won’t stick and will come out of the pan cleanly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk the ingredients together until they are smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be thick and glossy.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting helps ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no lumps in your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined, being careful not to over-mix, which can make the bars dense and tough.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting.

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

1. Preheat and Prepare: As mentioned, start by preheating your oven and prepping your baking pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the pumpkin, sugars, eggs, and oil.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, spices, and leavening agents.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Together: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, ensuring not to over-mix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting the Bars

While the bars are cooling, prepare your cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating continuously until smooth. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. For clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pumpkin pie filling: Make sure you're using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough, dense bars. Mix until just combined for light, airy bars.
• Not cooling the bars before frosting: If the bars are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. Patience is key here.
• Skipping the parchment paper: It might seem like an extra step, but it makes removing the bars from the pan so much easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, you want them to look as delicious as they taste. Here are a few serving tips to make your dessert truly shine:

• Chill for Clean Slices: If you want your bars to have clean, professional-looking edges, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes after frosting. Use a sharp knife to slice.
• Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon: After frosting, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve on a Cake Stand: For a festive touch, serve the bars on a cake stand or platter decorated with small pumpkins or autumn leaves.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are best served chilled, as the frosting holds up better. You can also serve them at room temperature if preferred. These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

• Drizzle of Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top of the frosted bars for extra indulgence.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for a crunchy contrast to the creamy topping.
• Pumpkin Spice Dusting: Lightly dust the top with pumpkin spice or cinnamon for added visual interest and flavor.

Pumpkin Bar Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
• Frosting Tips: For ultra-smooth frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Cutting Cleanly: Run your knife under hot water, wipe it off, and then slice the bars for clean cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and frost them the day you plan to serve.

Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted pumpkin bars for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream or even a powdered sugar glaze if preferred.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with butternut squash puree or even sweet potato puree.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a classic fall dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With the perfect balance of sweet, spiced pumpkin and creamy, tangy frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is one you'll return to again and again. Try it today, and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!

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