When the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than indulging in a delicious fall-inspired treat. These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of moist, spiced pumpkin cake and rich, creamy frosting. Topped with whole pecans for a touch of elegance, these bars are ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Let’s dive into this easy and irresistible recipe!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yields: 12-16 bars

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
• Whole pecans for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pumpkin Bars:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake on the center rack for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually sift in the confectioner’s sugar and mix until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Assembling the Bars:

1. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Decorate: Place whole pecans on top of the frosting for a decorative touch.
3. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and pumpkin flavor make these bars a seasonal favorite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the bars and prepare the frosting a day in advance.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars to avoid drying them out. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.
• Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans before decorating for added flavor and crunch.

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Variations and Customizations

• Add Nuts to the Batter: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a decadent twist.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
• Side Dish: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert upgrade.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s smooth and not too watery.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting, and use softened (not melted) butter and cream cheese.

4. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well as a substitute for pecans.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fall-inspired treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With their moist, spiced pumpkin base and rich, creamy frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for pumpkin lovers. Bake a batch today and enjoy the flavors of the season!