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Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist, orange pumpkin bar topped generously with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Create soft, spiced pumpkin bars baked in a sheet pan style, topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy fall dessert delivers comforting autumn flavors for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This step is important for clean slices.
  9. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  11. Spread the tangy cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
  12. Cut into squares and serve. These are excellent make ahead fall treats.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at true room temperature.
  • If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon to 2 1/2 teaspoons.
  • These pumpkin spice squares freeze well; frost them before freezing for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/