Description
Indulgent pumpkin bars bring autumn’s warmth to dessert tables with rich spices and creamy texture. Smooth cream cheese frosting crowns these seasonal treats, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of classic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with grease or line with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
- Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Cool completely on a wire rack within the pan.
- Create frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency.
- Once bars have cooled entirely, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the top. Slice into individual squares and present for serving.
Notes
- Select a fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of spices.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist and healthier alternative.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Check doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can result in dry and crumbly bars.
- Store frosted bars in the refrigerator to maintain cream cheese frosting’s stability and freshness.
- For a lighter version, replace some sugar with unsweetened applesauce or stevia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 315 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg