Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! There’s something truly magical about the smell of warm spices filling your kitchen, and as soon as these bars come out of the oven, you’ll be in pure bliss. I love making these during the fall, especially for family gatherings or cozy celebrations with friends. They’re soft, moist, and topped with a creamy frosting that just takes them over the top. Seriously, it’s like a hug in dessert form! Trust me, once you serve these at your next get-together, everyone will be asking for the recipe. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful treat that’s sure to become a fall favorite!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s gather everything you need to make these scrumptious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! I promise you won’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple staples that meld beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 cup sugar (this sweetens things up just right)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for that moist, tender texture)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love vanilla?)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (the base for our bars)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help them rise)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for that fluffy lift)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the star spice of fall)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (this is the key to our luscious frosting)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for a rich, buttery taste)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (to sweeten our frosting to perfection)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting, because more is always better!)
That’s it! Gather these goodies, and you’re all set to create something truly delicious. Remember, using fresh pumpkin puree makes a world of difference, but canned works just fine if you’re short on time. Let’s get ready to whip up some magic!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, now we’re getting to the fun part—making those amazing pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Preheat and Mix Wet Ingredients
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures even baking. While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and mix together your pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Just whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. The aroma of pumpkin and vanilla will already start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s a great preview of what’s to come!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s evenly mixed. This step is key because it helps to distribute the baking powder and spices, which means your bars will rise beautifully and taste amazing!
Combine Mixtures and Bake
Now, it’s time to gradually add those dry ingredients to your pumpkin mixture. I like to do this in batches, stirring gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re looking for a nice, thick batter. Once it’s all come together, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then pop it in the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen’s going to smell heavenly at this point!
Cool and Prepare Frosting
Once those bars are baked to perfection, let them cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—if you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt and make a mess. While they’re cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s all combined and looks dreamy. You’ll want to sneak a taste, but save some for the bars!
Frost and Serve
Now that your pumpkin bars are cool and your frosting is ready, it’s time for the fun part! Spread that creamy frosting generously over the top of the cooled bars. I like to get a little generous with it—who doesn’t love extra frosting, right? Once frosted, cut them into squares, and voilà! You’ve got beautiful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting ready to be devoured. Serve them up, and watch everyone rave about your baking skills!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in just 45 minutes!
- Deliciously moist and rich pumpkin bars, perfectly spiced for fall.
- Cream cheese frosting that’s smooth, sweet, and irresistible.
- Great for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to holiday parties.
- Easy to make ahead—just bake and frost the day before serving.
- Kid-friendly treat that adults will love too!
- Versatile—enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting turn out perfect every time! Here are some of my go-to tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spices for the best flavor! If your spices have been sitting in the cupboard for a while, consider picking up new ones. Fresh spices pack a punch that makes a huge difference.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them nice and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!
- Cooling Time: Let the bars cool completely before frosting. If you rush this step, you risk a melty frosting disaster. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little more spice, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add some ginger. Tailor the spices to your taste; that’s the beauty of baking at home!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best frosting texture, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy frosting that spreads easily.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to baking the most incredible pumpkin bars that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting fresh and tasty! If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big if, trust me!), the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them moist and flavorful for about 4 to 5 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between the bars and the lid to prevent any sticking—just a little tip I’ve picked up!
If you want to make these bars in advance, you can bake them and frost them the day before your gathering. Just be sure to keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve. Now, if you find yourself with a few leftover bars and you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them, too! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pumpkin bars, simply take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want a warm treat, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off. But be careful not to overheat them, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess! Enjoy your treats, and don’t forget to share (if you must)!
FAQ About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Got questions about these fabulous pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my answers to help you bake like a pro.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until it’s smooth. It adds a lovely, fresh flavor to your bars!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or even a rich Greek yogurt as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a little different, but still delicious!
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bars are ready! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yep! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check that it includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture!
How should I serve these pumpkin bars?
These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to get fancy, you can top them with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall treat!
Can I store these bars for later?
Definitely! Store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This helps to keep the frosting looking nice and tidy!
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you create the most delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting you can imagine!
Nutritional Information
Let’s break down the deliciousness of these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutritional values per serving (that’s one scrumptious bar):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a great estimate to work with. Enjoy every bite guilt-free knowing you’re indulging in a tasty treat that’s packed with pumpkin goodness!
Imprimer
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Bars can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 180mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, fall recipes
