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+ servings

Pumpkin Bars

When it comes to pumpkin you really can't get much easier and tastier than these Pumpkin Bars. Topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this is the perfect dessert combination.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24
Calories: 356kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 large eggs room temp
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 15 ounces pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10x15-inch baking pan with parchment paper, this will help you lift the bars out, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and stir it together until there are no dry patches.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the bars cool, make the frosting by placing the cream cheese and butter in the body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer and cream until smooth.
  • Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  • Add the cinnamon and vanilla, stir to combine.
  • Scrape down the sides as needed. Whip the frosting at medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Once the bars are cooled, add the frosting, cut, and serve.

Notes

  1. For a thicker cake make in a 9x13-inch pan, for thinner bars make in a 12x17-inch pan.
  2. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, use pure pumpkin puree.
  3. These can be frozen, see my tips above.
  4. For a more potent flavor use more pumpkin pie spice.
  5. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is optional but highly recommended.
  6. Other frostings can be used, see above on some ideas.
  7. You can add other mix-ins to these bars as well, again see above for some ideas.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 3398IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg