Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Festive Fall Delight

Embrace the flavors of the season with our delectable Pumpkin Bars topped with creamy Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars are the epitome of autumn indulgence, featuring the warm spices of cinnamon, the rich sweetness of pumpkin, and the irresistible tanginess of cream cheese. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your pumpkin spice cravings, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Join us as we delve into the recipe and discover how to create these mouthwatering treats that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
3. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Bake the Bars:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely:
   • Remove the pan from the oven and let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
8. Frost the Bars:
   • Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
9. Chill and Serve:
   • For best results, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Enhance the flavor of the bars by adding additional spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to the batter.
• Nuts and Raisins: For added texture and flavor, fold in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter before baking.
• Decorative Garnishes: Sprinkle the frosted bars with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or chopped nuts for a decorative touch.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour, and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar. For the frosting, use powdered erythritol or powdered monk fruit sweetener instead of confectioners’ sugar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Reduce the amount of flour and sugar in the pumpkin bars by half or more, and increase the number of eggs to maintain the structure of the bars. Use a sugar-free syrup or pumpkin extract for flavoring instead of pumpkin puree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree? A: Yes, you can use freshly cooked and pureed pumpkin in this recipe. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the puree before adding it to the batter.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These pumpkin bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the bars? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of pumpkin bars. Simply use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with our irresistible Pumpkin Bars topped with luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Whether enjoyed as a dessert for holiday gatherings, a sweet treat for cozy nights in, or a festive addition to your autumn baking repertoire, these bars are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. With their moist pumpkin-infused crumb and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars capture the essence of the season in every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the taste of autumn with our delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!