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Moist Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

moist pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting - featured image
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These moist pumpkin bars feature a perfectly balanced spice profile and are topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Simple to make with pantry staples, they are the ultimate autumn comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 8 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir by hand just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While bars cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars using an offset spatula.
  12. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Do not use pumpkin pie filling; use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Bars taste better after sitting for a day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall baking, autumn dessert, pumpkin recipe, easy baking, comfort food

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/moist-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/