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This image shows a batch of homemade pumpkin bars, cut into perfect squares and topped with a thick layer of smooth cream cheese frosting, making for a delicious autumn treat.

Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars Recipe

These moist and spiced pumpkin bars, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, make the perfect autumn treat. Each bite is filled with warm fall flavors, balanced by the creamy sweetness of the frosting. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • WhiskSpatulaWire cooling rack
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin bars

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt

Frosting

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 package of low-fat cream cheese softened
  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter softened

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    This image shows a baking dish being greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the baked pumpkin bars.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda, whisking until evenly mixed.
    This image shows a mixing bowl filled with flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder being stirred together, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients for the batter.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without over-mixing.
    This image shows thick pumpkin bar batter being poured evenly into a greased and lined baking dish, ready for baking.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
    This image shows a baking dish inside an oven, where the pumpkin bars are rising and turning
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack until they reach room temperature.
    This image shows freshly baked pumpkin bars resting in the baking dish, cooling on a wire rack to ensure they set properly before adding the cream cheese frosting.
  • For the frosting, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
    This image shows a mixing bowl with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla being whipped together to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
  • Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled bars,
    This image shows a spatula spreading a thick, velvety layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars, creating a luscious and even coating.
  • Slice into squares, and enjoy!
    This image shows pumpkin bars being sliced into neat squares and arranged on a serving plate, revealing their soft texture and creamy frosting on top.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
  • Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.