Print

Cozy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy Fall Dessert

pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting - featured image
Print Recipe

These cozy pumpkin bars are soft, cake-like, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. Add the pumpkin puree and sour cream to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely.
  9. While the bars cool, make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter. Let bars cool completely before frosting. Chill before slicing for clean cuts. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-fall-dessert/