Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese
Soft and moist pumpkin bars topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for the autumn season.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
Frosting
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, spread the frosting over the top evenly.
Serving
- Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars!
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting will keep them fresh for longer.