Description

These pumpkin bars are a delightful fall treat that combines the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, all topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Light and cake-like, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert at home. The bars are easy to prepare and can be customized with different flavors or toppings, making them as versatile as they are delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 ⅔ cups sugar
4 eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (or scant 2 cups fresh pumpkin or squash puree)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

For the Frosting:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar

Optional Garnishes:

A sprinkle of cinnamon
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Caramel drizzle

Instructions

For the Bars:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Pour the batter into a greased 18×13-inch half-sheet pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the bars completely in the pan before frosting.

For the Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first to avoid sugar dust, then increasing the speed. Whip the frosting until light and fluffy.
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or top with nuts or caramel.

Notes

Storage: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Cut into individual pieces, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Customizations: Feel free to personalize the bars by adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts into the batter. For extra warmth, you can add spices like nutmeg or ginger to complement the cinnamon.
Dietary adjustments: For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free or vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese and replace the eggs with flax eggs.