Description
Get ready to welcome fall with the most incredibly moist and flavorful pumpkin bars you’ve ever tasted, crowned with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. These bars are incredibly easy to make and are sure to become a cherished recipe you’ll bring out year after year. These tender pumpkin bars, infused with warm spices and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Flavor Profile: Sweet, warmly spiced pumpkin balanced with a zesty, creamy frosting. Textures: Incredibly moist and cake-like bar with a smooth, luscious frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
4 large eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it, lining it with parchment paper, and then greasing the paper.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs until they are foamy. Then, add the sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed with your mixer until just combined, about 1 minute. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely, which should take around 30 minutes.
5. While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl with an electric mixer until it’s creamy. Slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth.
6. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
7. Cut the bars into 24 pieces.
Notes
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. They are done when a toothpick comes out clean, but overbaking can make them dry.
Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: Using softened cream cheese and butter for the frosting ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
Cooling is Crucial: Resist the urge to frost warm bars. The heat will melt the frosting, making it messy and difficult to spread. Allow them to cool completely.
Even Spreading: When spreading the frosting, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a smooth, even layer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American