Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin bars offer a delightful balance of moisture and flavor, topped with silky cream cheese frosting for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- 0.67 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 0.25 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10 x 15 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring with a rubber spatula until mixed into a thick batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake until the center springs back when lightly pressed.
- Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or add sprinkles for decoration.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.