Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting 🎃 - Better Than Pie!
As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisp, our thoughts turn to the warm, comforting flavors of fall. And what's more quintessentially autumnal than pumpkin? These pumpkin bars are a fall essential, like a soft, moist pumpkin cake in bar form, topped with a thick layer of tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. They're so much easier to make and serve than a pumpkin pie, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, and Thanksgiving.
One of the best things about these pumpkin bars is their ease of preparation. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. You'll be enjoying a delicious, homemade dessert in no time, with minimal fuss and effort. Plus, they're perfect for feeding a crowd, as they can be easily cut into bars and served to your guests.
But what really sets these pumpkin bars apart is the cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect complement to the warm, spicy flavors of the pumpkin, adding a tangy and creamy element that will leave your taste buds singing. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic mixing skills.
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
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, melted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
- Step 8: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Step 12: Cut into bars and serve.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Easy to Make
These pumpkin bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic mixing skills.
💰 Cost-Effective
The ingredients for these pumpkin bars are relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option for dessert.
👥 Perfect for Crowds
These pumpkin bars are perfect for feeding a crowd, as they can be easily cut into bars and served to your guests.
🌟 Delicious
The combination of the moist pumpkin cake and the tangy cream cheese frosting is absolutely delicious.
Recipe Card
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Better Than Pie!
🛒 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
- - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
💡 Make sure to preheat your oven before starting to ensure it's at the right temperature when you need it.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
💡 Whisking the dry ingredients together helps to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, melted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
💡 Make sure to beat the ingredients together until they're smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
💡 Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
💡 Make sure the batter is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
💡 Keep an eye on the bars while they're baking, as the cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
💡 Letting the bars cool completely will help them set and make them easier to frost.
Step 8: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
💡 Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating them together.
Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
💡 Add the powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps from forming.
Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
💡 The vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor to the frosting.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
💡 Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid the frosting melting.
Step 12: Cut into bars and serve.
💡 Cut the bars into the desired size and serve.
Ingredient Notes
Pumpkin Puree
Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Substitutions: You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer, but make sure to cook and mash it first.
Cream Cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before using it.
Substitutions: You can use Neufchâtel cheese or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract
Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Substitutions: You can use almond extract or lemon extract if you prefer.
Powdered Sugar
Make sure to sift the powdered sugar before using it to avoid lumps.
Substitutions: You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar if you prefer.
Pro Tips
🔥 Tip 1: Don't Overmix
Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough bars.
🥧 Tip 2: Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before using them.
🎂 Tip 3: Add a Pinch of Salt
Add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance out the flavors.
💡 Tip 4: Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract
Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Variations
Pecan Praline Topping
Add a pecan praline topping to the bars for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Dried Cranberries
Add dried cranberries to the batter for a fruity and sweet flavor.
Walnuts
Add chopped walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Coffee or tea for a cozy dessert
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added sweetness
- Chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delicious and comforting treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Make-Ahead Tips
The bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage
The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
The bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the bars in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey.
Troubleshooting
Q: Why are my bars too dense?
A: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bars. Try mixing the ingredients just until combined, then stopping.
Q: Why is my frosting too runny?
A: If the frosting is too runny, try adding more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to cook and mash it first.
Q: How do I store the bars?
A: The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for fall. They're like a soft, moist pumpkin cake in bar form, topped with a thick layer of tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. They're so much easier to make and serve than a pumpkin pie, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, and Thanksgiving. Save this recipe and see why it gets rave reviews every time!
To complete your meal, consider serving these pumpkin bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk. You could also pair them with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added sweetness. Whatever you choose, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit!
