Description
These Easy Pumpkin Bars are a quintessential autumn treat featuring a soft, spice-infused cake base balanced by a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. Drawing on nostalgic flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars provide a warming, comforting experience perfect for family gatherings. They are simple to prepare, incredibly reliable for novice bakers, and offer a professional-quality texture that makes them an ideal centerpiece for potlucks or a thoughtful seasonal gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before frosting to avoid lumps. These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and the flavor often improves after sitting for a day. For best results, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg