Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Creamy Cheese Frosting
A delightful autumn treat featuring soft, moist pumpkin bars topped with a creamy cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the pumpkin bars
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Use vibrant pumpkin puree for flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides texture to the bars.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar For sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder For rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds warmth.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
- 2 large eggs To bind the ingredients.
- 1 cup vegetable oil Keeps the bars moist.
For the cream cheese frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese Ensure it is at room temperature.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter Also at room temperature.
- 2 cups powdered sugar To sweeten the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, frost them generously and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips. Ensure the frosting ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Store in an airtight container.