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Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

creamy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting - featured image
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Moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with a tangy, thick cream cheese frosting. This easy fall dessert is perfect for gatherings and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until combined and smooth.
  5. Mix in the pumpkin puree on low speed just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. While bars cool, beat cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth.
  10. Add powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low then high speed for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy.
  11. Spread frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.
  12. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender. Bars must be completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, easy baking, pumpkin recipe, autumn treats, cream cheese bars

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-fall-recipe/