Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect treat for fall, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin spice with a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these pumpkin bars are sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these decadent bars, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for avoiding common mistakes. Keep reading to master this delightful autumn dessert!

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What are Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a soft, moist, cake-like dessert made with pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. These bars are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re typically served as dessert bars, cut into squares, and can be enjoyed any time of day, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

To create the best pumpkin bars, you'll need a mix of wet and dry ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here's what you'll need for the bars:

• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
• Brown sugar – ½ cup (for added moisture and richness)
• Vegetable oil – ½ cup (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• Eggs – 2 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons
• Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
• Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is the star of the show when it comes to pumpkin bars. It adds a rich and tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the bars. Here’s what you’ll need for the frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened) – 8 oz block
• Unsalted butter (softened) – ½ cup
• Powdered sugar – 2 to 3 cups (depending on your sweetness preference)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Whether you're dealing with dietary restrictions or just want to experiment with different flavors, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to this classic pumpkin bars recipe.

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan Pumpkin Bars: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute for the frosting.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Bars: Increase the amount of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) or add a bit of ground cloves for a more intense flavor.
• Healthier Pumpkin Bars: Reduce the sugar in the bars by half, and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more wholesome version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making these delicious pumpkin bars. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
5. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pumpkin bars is all about precision and ensuring each step is followed correctly to create soft, moist, and flavorful bars. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Grease or Line Your Pan: Before pouring your batter, make sure your pan is greased or lined with parchment paper. This ensures that the bars don’t stick to the pan, making it easier to remove them after baking.
• Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until everything is just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to check if your bars are baked through. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
• Cool Completely: Let the pumpkin bars cool before adding the cream cheese frosting. Frosting too soon will cause the frosting to melt and slide off the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result:

• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of the recipe. Always use pure pumpkin puree.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before making the frosting. Cold cream cheese will result in lumpy frosting.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking will cause them to dry out and lose their tender texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: If you try to frost the bars while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and make a mess.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key, especially when serving these delicious pumpkin bars at a party or family gathering. Here are some tips to make your pumpkin bars look as good as they taste.

• Cut Even Squares: Use a ruler or a bench scraper to measure and cut evenly sized squares for a professional look.
• Add a Dusting of Cinnamon: After frosting, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
• Garnish with Pecans: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: These bars make a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Dessert: Serve them on a dessert platter alongside other fall-themed treats like apple pie or pecan tart.
• At Brunch: Pumpkin bars can also be a part of a festive fall brunch spread. Serve them with fresh fruit and savory dishes like quiche or frittata.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

If you're serving these pumpkin bars for a special occasion or holiday gathering, consider these creative presentation ideas:

• Tiered Dessert Stand: Stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a visually appealing display.
• Holiday-Themed Platter: Serve the bars on a fall-themed platter with autumn leaves or small pumpkins as decorations.
• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie it with a piece of twine for a cute, rustic look, perfect for grab-and-go treats.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few more expert tips to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake the pumpkin bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them right before serving for the freshest presentation.
• Double the Recipe: For a larger crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan or in two separate pans.
• Storing: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can freeze them! Freeze the bars unfrosted, then add the frosting after they have thawed. Alternatively, freeze them fully frosted, but make sure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.

2. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure the homemade puree is thick and not too watery. If it’s too thin, strain it using a cheesecloth before adding it to the recipe.

3. Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your taste. Start with 1 ½ cups and add more if needed.

4. How can I make the bars spicier?
To add more spice, simply increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a stronger kick.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the quintessential fall dessert. With their moist, flavorful base and creamy topping, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as a cozy snack at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out, make it your own with variations, and enjoy the taste of autumn in every bite!

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