Indulging in a delightful slice of pumpkin bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting is a seasonal treat that captures the essence of autumn. These moist, spiced goodies not only fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma but also offer a comforting burst of flavor that pleases the entire family. Each bite of these pumpkin delights, perfectly paired with smooth frosting, makes them a standout dessert for gatherings and cozy evenings alike.
What’s more, pumpkin bars with rich cream cheese icing provide a subtle balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee, these squares of heaven promise to be an exciting addition to your fall baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the world of these scrumptious pumpkin treats and discover how to create them in your own kitchen!
Delicious Fall Treats:
Indulging in pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is a must as the fall season approaches. These delightful squares not only capture the essence of autumn but also serve as a satisfying dessert that everyone loves. The fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, pumpkin creates a rich treat that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. Plus, the velvety cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast, making each bite a balanced pleasure.
To enhance your fall dessert repertoire, consider trying Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. These cookies offer a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle with the warm flavors of pumpkin and butter, creating another perfect fall dessert.
With their moist texture and luscious frosting, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a night in, these bars are a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Indulge in the rich flavors of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cake Layer Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
Once the ingredients are gathered, prepare for a flavorful experience. These pumpkin bars are a wonderful addition to any dessert table. For another delightful pumpkin-inspired treat, check out Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Their warm spices will surely complement your pumpkin bars!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
To create delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together 4 eggs and 2 cups of white sugar until fluffy. Gradually pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil and add 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin purée. Mix well until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, blending until fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
For a delicious variation on pumpkin treats, check out Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken for a savory option. For more pumpkin-inspired recipes, refer to the detailed guide on Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting at AllRecipes. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Baking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars:
To achieve moist and flavorful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, begin by selecting the right pumpkin puree. Opt for canned puree rather than fresh, as it delivers consistent moisture and flavor. Always spice your batter generously; cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can elevate your bars significantly. Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth, cohesive batter and frosting.
When mixing, avoid over-beating, as this can lead to a dense texture. Instead, mix until just combined. Preheat your oven and ensure to check for doneness using a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow your bars to cool completely before frosting for best results.
If you’re in the mood for even more delicious pumpkin treats, consider trying pumpkin snickerdoodles as a delightful alternative. Finally, store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and enjoy your perfect pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
To keep your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. First, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent the bars from drying out.
Alternatively, you can transfer the bars to an airtight container. For an even longer shelf life, consider refrigerating your frosted pumpkin bars. They can last up to one week in the refrigerator. If you wish to store them for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator. For more delightful recipes, check out the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken for a satisfying meal complement to your sweet treats.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Enjoy your delightful pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting as a sweet treat for autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons. Serve them alongside a cup of spiced chai for a comforting combination. For a delicious twist, pair these bars with a refreshing cucumber shrimp salad to balance the richness. Perfect for sharing or indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, cake-like treats that combine the warm flavors of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese topping. Often enjoyed in the fall, these bars are perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
How do you store leftover pumpkin bars?
To keep your pumpkin bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use whipped vanilla frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. For a lighter option, try a whipped topping.
What else can I pair with these pumpkin bars?
These delightful bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, try them with spiced apple cider. Additionally, consider serving them alongside my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a delightful contrast.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still achieve a delicious texture and flavor.
How do I ensure my pumpkin bars are fluffy?
To achieve a light and fluffy texture for your pumpkin bars, make sure to beat the eggs and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air. Using room-temperature ingredients also helps create a smoother batter, contributing to that desirable fluffiness.
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Fall’s Best Treat!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting are the perfect way to celebrate the fall season. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting—making them a hit at gatherings or a cozy night in with a hot drink.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
4 large eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a spiced finish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the oil and pumpkin purée until smooth.
Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar and optional cinnamon until smooth.
Frost: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon cloves to the batter.
Store bars in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
These bars can be made a day ahead—flavor deepens overnight.
For a lighter topping, skip the frosting and dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, Thanksgiving treats, spiced pumpkin cake, easy pumpkin dessert