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Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: YD
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

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
  • 12 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the sugars, oil, and eggs together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  7. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. If needed, add heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
  9. 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