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Delicious easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting served on a plate

Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delightful pumpkin bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pumpkin bars

  • 4 large eggs adds moisture and structure
  • 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar sweetness and structure
  • 1 cup vegetable oil moisture and richness
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree moisture and flavor
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour structure and texture
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder leavening and lightness
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda leavening and acidity balance
  • 1 tablespoon homemade pumpkin pie spice warm spice flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt balances sweetness

For the cream cheese frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) creamy consistency
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) richness and smoothness
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract flavor addition
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted) sweetness and texture

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  • Carefully stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.

Baking

  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooling

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Making Frosting

  • In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
  • Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth.

Frosting

  • Frost the cooled pumpkin bars evenly with cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula.

Notes

For variations, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Keyword Baking, Cream Cheese Frosting, easy recipe, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Bars