Frosted Pumpkin Bars (Printable Version)
Moist pumpkin bars with vanilla frosting and warm spices, ideal for seasonal gatherings and cozy moments.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bars
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup vegetable oil
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
06 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
09 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
10 - 2 tsp baking powder
11 - 1 tsp baking soda
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Frosting
14 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 2 cups powdered sugar
17 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
18 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl.
03 - Beat sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
05 - Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
06 - Beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
07 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
08 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture is incredibly moist and dense, almost like a cross between cake and a brownie.
- The cream cheese frosting balances the warm spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
- They travel beautifully and actually taste better the next day.
02 -
- Don't be tempted to reduce the sugar, as it's necessary for the proper texture and moisture level.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting, or you'll end up with a melty mess.
- These actually taste better on day two when the spices have had time to meld.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly, so set everything out about 30 minutes before baking.
- The bars are done when the edges pull slightly from the pan and the center springs back when gently pressed.