Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Nothing says fall like the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin paired with the rich, tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an ideal dessert for the season, offering a soft, cake-like texture that's perfectly complemented by a luscious layer of frosting. Whether you're serving them at a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Follow along to learn how to make these irresistible pumpkin bars, complete with tips and variations to make them your own. Be sure to read through the entire article for all the tips and tricks to achieve the perfect batch of pumpkin bars!

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What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful, spiced dessert that features a moist pumpkin-flavored cake base topped with rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. The bars have a soft and tender texture, thanks to the pumpkin puree, and the frosting adds a smooth, creamy finish that elevates this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a festive party treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings.
• Incredibly moist and fluffy, thanks to the pumpkin puree.
• The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the spiced pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
• 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

Substitutions:

• Oil/Butter Substitute: You can replace the vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil for a slightly nutty flavor, or use melted butter for a richer, more traditional taste.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Sugar Substitutes: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-sugar version.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: To make the frosting dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter, such as a coconut or almond oil-based spread.

Variations:

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and spices.
• Spiced Pumpkin Bars: Increase the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) for an extra warm, spiced flavor. You can even add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for more depth.
• Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: For a fall twist on the frosting, add 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle maple flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is straightforward and fun. Below is a step-by-step guide that will ensure your bars come out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out cleanly after baking.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin Bar Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth and well-combined.
• Add in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, and mix until incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.

3. Bake the Pumpkin Bars:

• Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Gradually add in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid any powdered sugar clouds.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (optional), and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and fully combined.

5. Frost the Pumpkin Bars:

• Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.
• For a decorative touch, you can pipe swirls of frosting on top or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is simple, as long as you follow the essential steps for baking and frosting. Here’s a condensed guide to ensure your bars turn out perfect:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix together the wet ingredients (oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla).
3. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, spices, salt) in a separate bowl.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Bake in a greased 9x13-inch pan for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cool the bars completely before frosting.
7. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Frost the cooled bars, cut, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking:

Overbaking the bars can cause them to become dry. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark to prevent this. The bars should be moist and tender.

2. Not Cooling the Bars Before Frosting:

It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting. If the bars are too warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.

3. Overmixing the Batter:

Mixing the batter too much after adding the flour can result in dense, tough bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

4. Using Cold Cream Cheese:

To achieve smooth, lump-free frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are delicious as-is, but here are some ways to elevate their presentation:

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature. These bars taste great either way!
• For a more elegant presentation, slice the bars into small squares or rectangles and arrange them on a platter.
• Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Piped Frosting: Instead of spreading the frosting, use a piping bag to create decorative swirls or rosettes on each bar.
• Sprinkles and Garnishes: Add fall-themed sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon, or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Mini Pumpkin Bars: Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for a perfect, shareable party treat.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving if preferred.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars without the frosting. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost them after thawing.
• Spices: Adjust the level of spices to your taste. If you love a stronger spice profile, feel free to increase the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the pumpkin bars a day in advance and frost them the next day. They keep well in the refrigerator, so they’re perfect for making ahead.

2. Can I freeze the pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin bars before frosting them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the bars and frost them just before serving.

3. How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?

If you prefer less sweet frosting, start with 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and adjust to your taste. Adding a pinch of salt can also help balance the sweetness.

4. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then puree it until smooth. Be sure to strain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from being too moist.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat, combining warm spices, moist pumpkin cake, and a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to casual fall afternoons. With easy-to-follow instructions, simple substitutions, and endless variations, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Try them out and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with every bite!

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