Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with every bite. These soft, spiced bars are made with real pumpkin, giving them a moist and tender texture that is hard to resist. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making them an irresistible treat for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home.

As the weather turns cooler and leaves begin to fall, many of us crave comforting flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, pumpkin. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a warm and inviting aroma to your kitchen while baking. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or simply looking for a new dessert to try, these pumpkin bars are sure to please anyone who tries them.

Ingredients about Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

List of Ingredients with Measurements

To make pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:

• For the pumpkin bars:
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for desired consistency)

Optional Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Pumpkin Puree: You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer to make it from scratch.
• Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness level.
• Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or melted coconut oil works well as substitutes.
• All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter frosting, though the texture and flavor will change a bit.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these clear steps for delicious results!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pumpkin bars will bake evenly. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Bar Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the ingredients are fully blended. Then, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is incorporated before adding the next.

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.

Step 3: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the pumpkin bars are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and, if needed, a tablespoon or two of milk, until the desired frosting consistency is achieved. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed both as a dessert and a snack, making them perfect for any occasion.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the best experience, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and plate them beautifully. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair. Serve your pumpkin bars on a seasonal platter or cake stand to enhance their autumn vibe.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

Pair these delicious pumpkin bars with a warm beverage such as coffee, tea, or cider to create a cozy atmosphere. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a lovely dessert. If you like to serve them at parties, consider arranging them alongside other fall-themed treats, like apple cider donuts or caramel apples.

How to Store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Proper storage is important to maintain the freshness and flavor of your pumpkin bars.

Proper Storage Methods

To store your pumpkin bars, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the bars. If you’ve already frosted the bars, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to preserve the cream cheese frosting.

Tips for Reheating or Freezing

If you find yourself with leftover bars, they can be frozen for later enjoyment. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. For quick warm-ups, you can microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect pumpkin bars can be simple if you follow a few helpful tips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Using Incorrect Measurements: Be precise with your measurements, particularly for flour, as too much can alter the texture of the bars.
• Not Allowing to Cool: Skipping the cooling step before frosting can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

• Fresh Spices: Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Ground spices can lose their potency over time.
• Chill the Frosting: If the frosting is too soft or runny, chill it for a bit before spreading on the bars to make it easier to work with.
• Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Variation of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bars are a delicious base that can be personalized in numerous ways!

Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe

Try adding a swirl of chocolate or caramel to the batter before baking for a unique twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor and crunch.

Adjustments for Dietary Preferences

For a vegan version, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal combined with water and use dairy-free cream cheese. To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your bars turn out too dense, double-check your ingredient measurements. Ensure you are not overmixing the batter and that your leavening agents are fresh. If they’re dry, they may have baked too long, so check the toothpick test for doneness next time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pumpkin bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to frost them after thawing to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can substitute various ingredients based on what you have on hand. For sugars, coconut sugar or honey can work. For oil, consider using melted coconut oil. There are also multiple options for vegan or gluten-free alternatives as mentioned in the variations section.

Enjoy making these delightful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! They’re sure to become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation, perfect for celebrating the seasonal flavors of autumn.

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