Description
Seasonal pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting promise a delightful autumn experience, blending warm spices and rich textures into one irresistible dessert. Each bite delivers comfort and sweetness that connects you to cherished fall memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and aerated.
- In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
- Transfer the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a consistent layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and well incorporated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
- Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and ground cinnamon over the frosted bars for added texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares.
Notes
- Swap out vegetable oil for healthier alternatives like coconut oil or applesauce to reduce overall fat content and add subtle flavor complexity.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the bars maintain their soft, tender texture without compromising taste.
- Reduce sugar by replacing half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
- Toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more aromatic topping that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg