As of now, these pumpkin bars have gone viral with over 10,000 saves in just 3 weeks. The secret to their success lies in the extra spices and brown butter used in the frosting, giving them a unique and unbeatable flavor. Whether you're a kid or an adult, you'll be fighting over the last piece of these delicious bars. Plus, they can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight, making them perfect for busy households.

Not only do these pumpkin bars taste amazing, but they're also incredibly easy to make. The recipe is foolproof, ensuring that your bars will never be dry and will always turn out perfect. And, as an added bonus, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

So why settle for a traditional pumpkin pie when you can have a dessert that's not only easier to make but also tastes better? These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect alternative to pumpkin pie and are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Save this crowd-pleasing recipe now and get ready to impress your friends and family with the most delicious pumpkin dessert you've ever tasted!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and melted butter until well combined. Beat in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, frost with the cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe).

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

To make the cream cheese frosting, you will need:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup brown butter (see below for recipe)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the brown butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix until well combined.

Brown Butter Recipe

To make the brown butter, you will need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making these easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the final product. Use fresh spices, real butter, and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined.
• Use the right pan: A 9x13-inch baking dish is the perfect size for these bars. If you use a different size pan, you may need to adjust the baking time.
• Freeze for later: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.

Serving Suggestions

These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving gatherings, and other fall events. Here are a few serving suggestions to keep in mind:

• Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Pair with a green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a light and refreshing lunch.
• Offer as a dessert at your next dinner party or potluck.
• Package in airtight containers and give as gifts to friends, family, or coworkers.

Nutrition Information

Here is the nutrition information for these easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Sugar: 20g

Troubleshooting

Here are a few common issues you may encounter when making these easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, along with some troubleshooting tips:

• Bars are too dense: Make sure to not overmix the batter, and use the right pan size.
• Bars are too dry: Check your oven temperature and baking time, and make sure to not overbake.
• Frosting is too runny: Refrigerate the frosting for about 10 minutes to firm it up before spreading it on the bars.

Final Thoughts

These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert for the fall season. With their soft, cake-like texture and incredible cream cheese frosting, they're sure to become a new favorite in your household. So why settle for a traditional pumpkin pie when you can have a dessert that's not only easier to make but also tastes better? Save this crowd-pleasing recipe now and get ready to impress your friends and family with the most delicious pumpkin dessert you've ever tasted!