Pumpkin Bars with Frosting: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin bars with frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, these moist, spiced bars become a staple in many households. Originating from traditional pumpkin desserts, they have evolved into a beloved favorite for gatherings, potlucks, and cozy family nights. The combination of warm pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting creates a harmonious balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What I love most about pumpkin bars with frosting is their incredible texture; they are soft and chewy, making each bite a comforting experience. The rich spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of family traditions and seasonal celebrations. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, pumpkin bars with frosting are sure to bring joy to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making these bars deliciously rich.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.

Baking the Pumpkin Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure that the bars bake evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
3. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. While the pumpkin bars are cooling, it’s time to make the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Once the sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is fluffy and light.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.

Assembling the Pumpkin Bars

1. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that delicious frosting in every bite!
2. If you want to get a little fancy, you can sprinkle some additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added flavor and texture.
3. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually go for about 2×2 inch squares, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
4. Serve the pumpkin bars at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy frosting!

Storage Tips

Conclusion:

In summary, these pumpkin bars with frosting are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously spiced treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The moist, tender texture of the bars combined with the creamy frosting creates a delightful balance that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy gathering, a festive holiday party, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp afternoon, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress. For a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese or maple, to suit your personal taste. The versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own, ensuring that every batch is uniquely delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin in every bite. Once you’ve made your own batch of these delightful pumpkin bars with frosting, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any creative twists you added. Let’s celebrate the joy of baking together!

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