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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Caroline

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist and spiced pumpkin bars topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and pecan garnish — the ultimate fall dessert for gatherings and holidays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • whole pecans for decorating

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk and spatula
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil until smooth.
  3. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves until just combined.
  4. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 25–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  5. Let bars cool completely in the pan.
  6. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  7. Mix in vanilla extract.
  8. Gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
  10. Garnish with whole pecans.
  11. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

These bars are perfect for fall bake sales and holiday gatherings. For extra flair, dust the top with cinnamon or drizzle with caramel before serving. Leftovers taste even better after a day, as the flavors meld together.