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Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars


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

Description

These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to celebrate the fall season. With their spiced pumpkin flavor and rich, creamy frosting, they capture all the cozy, comforting tastes of autumn. Whether for a Thanksgiving gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will never disappoint. Simple to make, yet indulgent in every bite, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. Enjoy the taste of fall with this easy, delicious recipe!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars:

  • 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  7. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach the desired frosting consistency.
  8. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or rectangles.
  9. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and consistency.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for extra flavor.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
  • If you prefer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes