Description
There’s something undeniably cozy about the scent of pumpkin baking in the oven, filling your home with the warm, spicy aroma that only autumn can bring. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for those crisp fall afternoons, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a deliciously moist, spiced dessert. These bars are a delightful cross between a cake and a cookie, and their soft, fluffy texture is topped off with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugars, oil, and eggs together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. If needed, add heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense bars.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting for a smooth consistency.
- Chill the frosting if it’s too runny before spreading.
- You can add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra texture.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes