Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful pumpkin bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste, or use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a hint of tropical sweetness.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking with these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
- Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful taste of autumn!
Pro tip: If you’re baking with kids, let them mix the wet ingredients. It’s a fun way to get them involved, and they’ll love seeing the batter transform into delicious bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe, cooking, food
