Embrace the flavors of fall with these delicious pumpkin bars.
Moist, tender, and bursting with pumpkin spice goodness, these bars are the perfect treat for autumn gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a crisp day.
Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Nutritional Facts
This pumpkin bars recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
Here are the nutritional facts per bar:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Sodium: 115mg
FAQ’s
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Simply roast or steam a small pie pumpkin, then puree the flesh until smooth.
Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Frost them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bars?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting adds a delicious finishing touch to the pumpkin bars, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the pumpkin bars?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter for added texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter gently before spreading it into the baking pan.