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Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up, sunlit shot of a moist square of pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.
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Make these moist, spiced pumpkin bars baked in a 9×13 pan and top them with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy recipe delivers a classic fall dessert perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
  10. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
  12. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture in your pumpkin bars.
  • Make sure the bars are completely cool before spreading the frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt.
  • For extra spice flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • You can substitute half the oil with applesauce for a slightly lower fat option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/