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Best Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These spiced pumpkin bars are incredibly moist, packed with warm fall spices, and topped with a thick, tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect easy dessert for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 8 ounces (226g) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and uniform in color.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; do not overmix. Batter will be thick and glossy.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until top is set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter, not clean).
  6. Cool bars in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Use parchment overhang to lift slab onto wire rack; cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  7. For frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape bowl. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low, then increase to medium-high and beat 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Once bars are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over top. Refrigerate frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

For best results, slightly underbake the bars for maximum moisture. Use block cream cheese, not spreadable. Chill bars before slicing for clean cuts. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, easy pumpkin bars, spiced pumpkin bars

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/best-spiced-pumpkin-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/