Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe: A Perfect Fall Treat

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a quintessential fall treat that embodies the flavors of the season. These moist and flavorful bars are a delightful combination of spiced pumpkin cake topped with a rich and creamy layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. The warm spices in the pumpkin bars complement the smooth sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering.

Ingredients required for the Pumpkin Bars

To make these scrumptious Pumpkin Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

These simple ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful base for the Pumpkin Bars.

Step-by-step instructions for making the Pumpkin Bars

To make the Pumpkin Bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, mix together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and a can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Ingredients needed for the Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the luscious cream cheese frosting for your pumpkin bars, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature

2. 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened

3. 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar

4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced flavors of the pumpkin bars.

Instructions for preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

3. Continue to beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.

4. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

5. Once the Pumpkin Bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

6. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or chopped nuts on top before serving.

7. Allow the frosting to set before cutting the bars into squares and serving. Enjoy this delightful fall treat with friends and family!

Assembling the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Assembling the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is the final step in creating this delectable fall treat. Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, carefully spread a thick layer of the creamy cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula. For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans or cinnamon on top. Allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles. The combination of moist pumpkin bars and rich cream cheese frosting will surely be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

Serving and storing tips for the delectable treat

To serve these delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, cut them into squares or bars of your desired size. They can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top before serving.

To store the Pumpkin Bars, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

By following these serving and storing tips, you can ensure that your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting remain fresh and delicious for whenever you have a craving for this perfect fall treat.