Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting: prepare to be utterly captivated! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced pumpkin bar, its moist crumb perfectly complemented by a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a symphony of autumnal flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy fall afternoon, even if it’s the middle of summer!

While pumpkin pie often steals the spotlight during Thanksgiving, these delightful pumpkin bars offer a more casual, yet equally satisfying, way to enjoy the taste of pumpkin. Their history is rooted in American baking traditions, evolving from simple spice cakes to the decadent treats we know and love today. The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates them from a simple snack to a truly irresistible dessert.

What makes pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting so universally adored? It’s a combination of factors. The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create an inviting aroma and a comforting flavor profile. The pumpkin itself adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. And, of course, the cream cheese frosting provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint that balances the spices perfectly. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. They are also incredibly portable, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying on the go. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why everyone raves about these bars!

Ingredients:

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Preparing the Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove later. I like to use a cooking spray that contains flour for extra insurance.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking is important to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of baking soda or spices that can affect the flavor and texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk if you’re feeling ambitious!) until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be a uniform color and texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking at 25 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
6. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial! If you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and become a gooey mess. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, or even longer if I have the time.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Soften the Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before you start. This is key to achieving a smooth and creamy frosting. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps. I usually take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before I plan to make the frosting.
2. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar! After each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting, and the salt balances the sweetness.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Frosting and Serving

1. Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. I like to use an offset spatula for this, but a regular butter knife works just fine.
2. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set and make the bars easier to cut.
3. Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. These pumpkin bars are delicious on their own, but you can also garnish them with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter are essential for smooth frosting.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
• Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the batter for a more complex flavor.
• Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Maple Frosting: Substitute maple extract for the vanilla extract in the frosting for a maple-flavored frosting.
• Brown Butter Frosting: Brown the butter before making the frosting for a nutty and rich flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Bars are too dry: Make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour.
• Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thick: Add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Bars are sticking to the pan: Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are truly something special. From the warm, comforting spices to the incredibly moist texture and the tangy-sweet frosting, every bite is an absolute delight. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try, especially as the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp. It’s the perfect embodiment of fall flavors, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. The batter comes together quickly, and the baking time is relatively short. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is so simple to whip up, even a beginner baker can master it. It’s a recipe that delivers impressive results with minimal effort, which is always a win in my book! Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these pumpkin bars are absolutely divine on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a more decadent treat, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. The nuts will add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly. You could also sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the frosting for an extra touch of fall flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or ginger would add a unique twist to the classic pumpkin spice blend. And for those who prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe. These bars are fantastic served chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for a potluck, a bake sale, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. I personally love to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Another fun variation is to cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at a party. They’re always a hit! You can also get creative with the frosting. Try adding a swirl of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top for a beautiful and delicious presentation. But honestly, the best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can really make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! I truly hope you’ll give this recipe for pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting a try. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. And when you do, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think and see your creations. You can tag me on social media or leave a comment below. I’m always eager to hear from fellow baking enthusiasts. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. I can’t wait to see what you create!

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