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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Delightfully moist and bursting with warm spices, these pumpkin bars are topped with a smooth and creamy frosting, making them the perfect fall treat.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Bars:

  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1⅔ cup sugar
  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin or squash (or slightly less than 2 cups)

Frosting:

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 18 x 13-inch half-sheet pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until well blended.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, fold in the canned pumpkin or squash.
  • Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  • Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

To Make Frosting:

  • While the bars are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to whip the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy.
  • Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.

Notes

These bars are best baked in an 18 x 13-inch half-sheet pan for optimal thickness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.