Description
Delight in these soft pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall or any dessert lover!
Ingredients
- Butter: 1 cup of softened butter adds richness and moisture. Using high-quality butter can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Sugar: 1 ⅔ cups of sugar provides sweetness, balancing the natural earthiness of pumpkin. Consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs act as a binding agent, crucial for the texture of the bars.
- Pumpkin: A 15 oz. can of pumpkin or approximately 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, offering both flavor and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups of flour gives structure to the bars—use whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier twist.
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons of cinnamon creates that cozy fall flavor, essential for this recipe. Feel free to explore other spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Both leavening agents ensure that the bars rise perfectly, providing a soft, cake-like texture.
- Salt: A ½ teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
When it comes to making the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: An 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Butter: ½ cup of softened butter completes the frosting’s luxurious texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups of powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
Instructions
How to Make Pumpkin Bars
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven beforehand ensures even cooking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ⅔ cups of sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for a smooth batter.
- Add Pumpkin: Stir in the 15 oz. can of pumpkin until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Blend Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 18×13 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Making the Frosting
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese, ½ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate 3 cups of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and light.
- Frost Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. If desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon for garnish.
Now, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Pumpkin Bars!