Fall Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these moist and delicious Pumpkin Bars topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a comforting treat, these bars combine classic warm spices with a tender pumpkin base baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bars
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or use melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a moist base for the bars.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt to distribute the spices evenly throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and light.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, ensuring the frosting will not melt.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve for a delicious autumn treat.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Melted coconut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the frosting to reach your desired spreadability.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin recipe, autumn baking
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/fall-pumpkin-bars-recipe/