Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall is the perfect season for cozy, warm treats, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious pumpkin bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting? These pumpkin bars are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly moist. The best part? You don't need to be a seasoned baker to whip them up! This recipe is simple, approachable, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin. Keep reading to find out how you can make these easy and delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting in just a few steps!

this Recipe

What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin bars are a delightful cross between a cake and a cookie, offering the best of both worlds. They are soft like cake, yet firm enough to be eaten as a bar. The main ingredient, pumpkin puree, adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting provides a tangy and sweet contrast. This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or even as a special treat on a cozy night at home.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 16 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, I use Libby’s canned)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works best)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 can of cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference)

Alternatively, if you wish to make your own frosting from scratch, you’ll need:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Below are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might alter the texture slightly.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. These blends are designed to replicate the texture of regular flour without sacrificing taste.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Also, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter for the frosting.
• Spices: While cinnamon adds warmth to these bars, you can also add other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for more depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is a straightforward process that requires only a few key steps. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious pumpkin bars in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when your batter is mixed and ready to go.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, and cooking oil. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to thoroughly combine these ingredients until smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in denser bars.
5. Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. Frosting: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. If you're making homemade frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
8. Chill and Slice: After frosting, place the bars in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

In summary, cooking pumpkin bars is all about combining wet and dry ingredients, baking, and then topping them with a rich frosting. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix wet ingredients (eggs, pumpkin, sugar, and oil).
3. Add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon).
4. Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Let cool completely before frosting.
7. Frost with cream cheese frosting.
8. Chill, slice, and enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense, chewy pumpkin bars. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
• Not Cooling Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and become runny. Always let the bars cool completely before frosting.
• Substituting Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of the recipe.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your pumpkin bars. Overbaking can result in dry bars. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your pumpkin bars are frosted and sliced, it's time to think about how you'll serve and present them. Here are some tips to elevate your pumpkin bars to the next level:

• Sprinkle Cinnamon: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, lightly dust the frosted bars with ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
• Decorative Piping: If you’re making homemade cream cheese frosting, you can use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or patterns on top of the bars.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added texture and a nutty crunch.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish: A few berries or thin slices of apple on the side can add color and freshness to the presentation.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars are versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion. For a more casual gathering, simply cut them into squares and place them on a platter. If you’re serving them at a holiday meal, you could arrange them on a cake stand for a more elevated presentation. These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even apple cider.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

To make your pumpkin bars stand out visually, here are a few creative presentation ideas:

• Tiered Dessert Stand: Place the pumpkin bars on a tiered dessert stand to give them height and make them the centerpiece of your dessert table.
• Pumpkin-Themed Decorations: Decorate the serving tray with small pumpkins, autumn leaves, or cinnamon sticks to create a festive fall atmosphere.
• Individual Wrapping: For parties or gatherings, consider individually wrapping each bar in parchment paper and tying it with a piece of twine for a rustic, autumnal touch.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the bars a day ahead of time and frost them the next day. This allows the flavors to meld, and the bars will stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze pumpkin bars? Yes, pumpkin bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin? Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure to strain it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
3. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter? Yes, feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
4. How do I make homemade cream cheese frosting? Simply combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 4 tablespoons of softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. Whether you're serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn afternoon, they’re sure to be a hit. With their moist, pumpkin-spiced flavor and creamy frosting, they’re the perfect way to celebrate the season. Give this easy recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations and serving ideas!

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