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Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, these bars are a classic autumn treat that’s easy to bake for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the pumpkin puree until smooth.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, ensuring all spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
  5. Bake the pumpkin bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare frosting: While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
  7. Frost and serve: Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve for a delicious fall dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the pumpkin bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before it sets.
  • Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • To reduce sweetness, adjust powdered sugar amount in frosting, tasting as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin spice, baked dessert, easy pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/old-fashioned-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/