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Delicious pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting on a wooden table.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These moist and flavorful pumpkin bars are topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Bars
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup Brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 15 oz Canned pumpkin puree
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 3-4 cups Powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Pumpkin Bars
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high and beat until light and fluffy.
Assembly
  1. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.