Save to Pins Moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bars topped with a decadent brown sugar cream cheese frosting—an irresistibly cozy fall treat perfect for any gathering.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings due to its perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
Ingredients
- For the Pumpkin Bars: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Brown Sugar Frosting: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Wet ingredients:
- In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Combine pumpkin:
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry with wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add nuts:
- Fold in walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugars:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust consistency:
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost bars:
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Save to Pins These pumpkin bars bring back memories of cozy family fall weekends filled with laughter and warm drinks.
Notes
For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the frosted bars. For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, cream cheese), tree nuts (if using walnuts or pecans). Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 Total Fat: 15 g Carbohydrates: 43 g Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Save to Pins These pumpkin bars are the perfect final touch to any fall celebration and are sure to impress your guests.
Questions & Answers
- → What spices enhance the pumpkin bars' flavor?
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warm, autumnal notes that complement the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
- → Can I add nuts to this treat?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for extra texture and flavor, or sprinkled on top after frosting.
- → How long should the bars cool before frosting?
It's best to let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- → Is there a lighter option for the oil used?
To reduce fat, substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce without affecting moisture.
- → What is the best method to spread the frosting evenly?
Use a spatula or butter knife to spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting smoothly over the cooled bars for an even layer.