Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a moist, spiced dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The velvety, creamy frosting balances the warm notes of cinnamon and pumpkin, making each bite a delight. These bars are the ultimate treat for pumpkin lovers!
Made with canned pumpkin and cozy spices, these bars are both easy and irresistible. The soft texture of the cake pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese frosting, creating a comforting dessert that’s ideal for gatherings, parties, or just an indulgent afternoon snack.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or savoring them at home, these pumpkin bars will quickly become a favorite. They’re a breeze to prepare and will fill your kitchen with the enticing aroma of fall spices.
Key Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin or Squash – The heart of the recipe, lending moisture and a rich, earthy flavor to the bars.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
- Cinnamon – Infuses the bars with warmth and spice, quintessential for any pumpkin dessert.
- Cream Cheese – Whipped into a smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
How to Make Your Pumpkin Bars Perfect
Begin by creaming together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one by one, mixing well to create a rich batter. Incorporate the canned pumpkin, followed by the dry ingredients, which include flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir until smooth and pour into your greased baking pan.
Bake at 350°F for around 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the bars cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and enjoy!
Recipe Tips for Success
For the best texture, be sure to use softened butter and room-temperature eggs. This will help everything blend smoothly. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added; this ensures the bars stay tender.
Feel free to swap out the pumpkin for canned squash if that’s what you have on hand. Both work wonderfully! For an added touch, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting before serving.
Storing Leftover Pumpkin Bars
To keep your pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last up to five days this way. If you’d like to freeze them, it’s best to freeze the unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing. This prevents the frosting from becoming too soft when reheating.
Enjoy these pumpkin bars all season long! They’re perfect for cozying up with on a chilly autumn day.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Zutaten
Bars:
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 4 eggs
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1⅔ cup sugar
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin or squash (or slightly less than 2 cups)
Frosting:
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 18 x 13-inch half-sheet pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until well blended.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, fold in the canned pumpkin or squash.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely.
To Make Frosting:
- While the bars are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to whip the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.