Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you're a fan of warm, spiced pumpkin desserts, then you're going to love these moist and delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful fall treat is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home. With their irresistible combination of pumpkin flavor and smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Ready to whip up a batch? Keep reading for a detailed guide, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of helpful tips to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly every time!

What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful dessert made from a moist pumpkin-flavored cake-like base, often spiced with warm ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The bars are topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pumpkin. These bars have a soft, tender texture, making them an excellent alternative to heavier cakes or pies.

This dessert is particularly popular in the fall when pumpkin flavors are in season, but it’s also a treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy recipe will guide you through the steps to create a dessert that's sure to impress!

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make the pumpkin bars:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the base of the recipe, providing moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like depth.
• 4 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the bars.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structural ingredient.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Aids in leavening and ensures a soft texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the spiciness.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: For a deeper, aromatic flavor.

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

For the smooth and creamy frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting, providing richness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and a buttery flavor.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to customize your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Replace the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with vegan alternatives, such as dairy-free cream cheese and coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Instead of using separate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, you can substitute them with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the frosting for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For added texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips into the pumpkin bar batter before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let's walk through the process of making these delicious pumpkin bars. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll have a batch of mouth-watering bars ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later on.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the pumpkin bar batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and well-combined.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the pumpkin bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or bars, and serve!

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

To summarize the key steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish.
2. Mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, vanilla) until smooth.
3. Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, leavening agents, spices, salt).
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures just until incorporated.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the center is cooked through.
6. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the frosting and spread it over the cooled bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes like these pumpkin bars, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars. Be gentle and mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Allowing Bars to Cool: If you try to frost the bars while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and become a mess. Be patient and wait until the bars are fully cooled.
• Using Too Much Frosting: While the cream cheese frosting is delicious, adding too thick of a layer can overwhelm the pumpkin flavor. Spread it in a thin, even layer.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few presentation ideas:

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

• As a Simple Dessert: Cut the bars into squares and serve on a dessert platter for a casual get-together.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them as an afternoon treat or a sweet ending to a meal.
• As a Potluck Dish: Pumpkin bars are portable and easy to share, making them a perfect choice for potlucks or parties. Arrange the bars in a decorative box or tin to bring along.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

• Drizzle with Caramel: For a more decadent presentation, drizzle the frosted bars with caramel sauce.
• Sprinkle with Cinnamon: Dust a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the top of the frosted bars for an elegant touch.
• Add Chopped Nuts: For texture and flavor, sprinkle finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the cream cheese frosting before serving.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the pumpkin bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Frost them just before serving for the freshest result.
• Storing Frosted Bars: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze unfrosted pumpkin bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Make sure to drain excess moisture from the fresh puree to avoid overly wet bars.

2. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use dairy-free cream cheese, and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.

3. How can I make the bars less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup if you prefer less sweetness, and opt for a thinner layer of frosting.

4. Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before spreading it on the bars.

5. What can I do with leftover pumpkin puree?

Leftover pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Use it in other recipes like pumpkin bread, smoothies, or soups.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful fall dessert that combines the cozy flavors of spiced pumpkin with the rich, creamy texture of tangy frosting. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress. Try them out for your next gathering, or enjoy them as a sweet treat on a chilly evening with a warm beverage. Happy baking!

Print