Description
Irresistible pumpkin bars blend autumn’s warmth with creamy spiced goodness, creating a delightful seasonal dessert. Comfort and indulgence merge in each sweet, moist bite you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and prepping a 15x10x1-inch pan with grease or parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Create the base mixture by vigorously whisking eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, carefully blending flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda into a uniform powder.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
- Distribute the batter uniformly across the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface for consistent baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
- Remove from oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack, maintaining the bar’s structural integrity.
- Craft the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky and incorporated.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until achieving a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Once bars have reached room temperature, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
- Slice into precise squares and serve, revealing the moist, spiced interior.
Notes
- Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier alternative that maintains moisture.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make these pumpkin bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version without compromising taste.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of frosting for added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 232 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg