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Easy pumpkin bars topped with maple cream, a perfect fall dessert.

Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Delightfully spiced pumpkin bars topped with a creamy maple cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Autumn
Servings 24 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 can 15-ounce can pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 ⅔ cups white sugar Adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
  • 1 cup coconut oil Melted before measuring.
  • 4 large eggs Bring to room temperature for better mixing.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup butter Softened.
  • 1 package 8-ounce cream cheese Softened for easy blending.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste Enhances flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup Optional, adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Start by gathering all the ingredients you need for both the pumpkin bars and the frosting.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, coconut oil, and eggs until smooth.
  • In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into an ungreased 18x13-inch jelly roll pan and spread evenly.

Baking

  • Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars bounce back slightly when pressed gently in the center.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Frosting

  • While the bars cool, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
  • Add vanilla bean paste and maple syrup, then gradually incorporate the confectioners' sugar.
  • Blend until the frosting is smooth and slightly fluffy.
  • Once the pumpkin bars are cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and cut into 24 squares.

Notes

Store in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Keyword Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Baking, Fall Desserts, Pumpkin Bars, Spiced Dessert