Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Spiced Baked Pumpkin Bars topped with a luscious creamy cream cheese frosting. Combining warm autumn spices and smooth pumpkin puree, these bars are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Creamy Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Combine Sugar and Oil: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until well combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Pumpkin and Vanilla: Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Pumpkin Bars: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting – Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: To make the creamy frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Frost Pumpkin Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
- Serve: Cut into desired size bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Adjust spices to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Store pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
