Servings: 12
Calories: 471kcal
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show! It provides moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
- 1 2/3 cups white granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential! Adjust to taste if desired.
- 1 cup mild vegetable oil: You can swap this with avocado or a light olive oil for a healthier option.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon baking soda: These leavening agents help your bars rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
- 2 cups plain all-purpose flour: The base for the bars creating that perfect cake-like consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A must-have for that warm fall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds an extra layer of spice warmth.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for our frosting.
- 2 to 3 cups sifted powdered sugar: This will depend on how sweet you like your frosting; adjust accordingly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened: Adds richness to the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: This little kick brightens the frosting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Again to deepen the flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5: Cool Down
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar, mixing well. Then stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and creamy.
Step 7: Frost the Bars
- Once your pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. You can even sprinkle some cinnamon on top for extra flair or post-frosting decadence.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy these delicious treats with your favorite pairing.
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool fully before frosting. A warm bar can lead to melted frosting, which is not what we’re after.
- Flour Sifting: Sift your flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Egg Temperature: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. They blend more easily with other ingredients.
- Taste Test: Always taste your frosting; adjust the sugar to meet your sweetness preference.
- Decorate Smartly: You can add chopped pecans or walnuts as a topping for added texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 111g | Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 26.2g | Saturated Fat: 18.4g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 272mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!