Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful fall treat, perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple dessert for your family. The combination of moist, spiced pumpkin cake and rich, tangy cream cheese frosting is irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through making the most delicious pumpkin bars from scratch. Keep reading to discover the best tips, tricks, and variations to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfect every time!

What Are Pumpkin Bars?

Pumpkin bars are a type of dessert made with a moist pumpkin-flavored cake base, often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. They are topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the warm spices in the cake. Unlike a traditional cake, pumpkin bars are usually baked in a sheet pan and cut into squares or bars, making them easy to serve and enjoy as finger food. The rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese make this treat an instant favorite during the fall season.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make the pumpkin bars:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
• 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the cream cheese frosting, you will need:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations

There’s a lot of room for creativity when making pumpkin bars! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Substitute the vegetable oil: You can use melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Sweetener alternatives: Instead of granulated sugar, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
• Spice mix: If you’re out of some spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts for added texture and flavor. You can even swirl in some caramel sauce before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
• Vegan version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Sifting helps to avoid any lumps in your batter.
4. Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your bars dense and tough.
5. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely: Let the pumpkin bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pumpkin bars is a straightforward process. The key to success is to follow each step carefully and allow the bars to cool completely before applying the frosting. Here’s a breakdown of how to cook pumpkin bars, step by step:

1. Gather your ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs, butter, and cream cheese. This helps them blend together more smoothly.
2. Prepare your baking pan: Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars once baked.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately: This step is crucial for ensuring your batter is smooth and lump-free. Combining the wet and dry ingredients separately also helps avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense bars.
4. Bake at the right temperature: Keep an eye on the oven as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavors in your bars. Always use pure pumpkin puree.
2. Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough pumpkin bars. Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
3. Not allowing the bars to cool before frosting: If the bars are even slightly warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and create a messy layer. Always let them cool completely before frosting.
4. Skipping parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper helps ensure that your bars come out clean and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your pumpkin bars can elevate the experience and make them even more appealing. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

• Cut the bars evenly: Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut your pumpkin bars into even squares or rectangles. This makes them look neat and professional.
• Garnish with flair: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting for a little extra fall flavor and a beautiful finish.
• Top with nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add texture and a bit of crunch to your pumpkin bars, making them even more delicious.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the frosted bars before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Room temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, which allows the cream cheese frosting to be soft and creamy.
• Cold from the fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bars for a firmer texture, which can make them easier to cut and serve.
• With a side of whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra creamy, light contrast to the rich frosting.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

If you’re serving pumpkin bars for a party or special occasion, here are some presentation ideas to impress your guests:

• Layered display: Arrange the bars on a tiered cake stand for a visually appealing dessert table.
• Decorative plate: Serve the bars on a decorative fall-themed plate or platter to highlight the seasonal aspect of the dessert.
• Individual servings: For a more formal presentation, serve each bar on a small dessert plate with a fork and a swirl of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin bars a day in advance. Store the unfrosted bars in an airtight container and frost them just before serving.
• Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a larger sheet pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the oven.
• Frosting alternatives: If you want a lighter topping, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of cream cheese frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?

Yes! You can freeze the bars either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing frosted bars, flash freeze them on a tray first, then wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

2. How long do pumpkin bars stay fresh?

Pumpkin bars can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute that contains xanthan gum for structure.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract as a substitute for the frosting.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall dessert, blending the warm spices of pumpkin with the creamy tang of cream cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, and with the tips and variations provided, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or a simple weeknight treat, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious taste of autumn in every bite!

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