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.
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.
- 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.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled bars,
- Slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.