Description
Pumpkin bars are soft, moist, and full of fall flavor, with warm spices and a tender cake-like texture. Often topped with cream cheese frosting, they’re easy to make and perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and cut into squares.
Notes
- For lighter bars, skip the frosting or use a powdered sugar glaze.
- Enhance texture with add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Let bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store frosted bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
