Soft Pumpkin Bars Frosting

Autumn Pumpkin Bars topped with Cream Cheese Frosting make the ultimate seasonal sweet. These treats are moist, tender, and packed with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Finished with a velvety, luscious cream cheese topping, they're perfect for snug nights in, family get-togethers, or seasonal parties. They're a breeze to whip up, using store-bought pumpkin puree and common kitchen ingredients, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. The smooth, tangy frosting creates a delightful balance with the spicy pumpkin layer. Everyone will ask for seconds at your next autumn gathering!

INGREDIENTS

• Ground cloves: ¼ tsp
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Nutmeg: ¼ tsp
• Ground ginger: ½ tsp
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Eggs: 2 large
• Pumpkin puree: 1 cup, canned
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup
• Sugar: 1 cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (for frosting)
• Powdered sugar: 2 cups (for frosting)
• Butter: ¼ cup, softened (for frosting)
• Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened (for frosting)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 8:

Put the frosting on your cooled bars and cut them into squares to serve.

Step 7:

For your topping, mix the soft cream cheese and butter till smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until it's light and fluffy.

Step 6:

Make sure the bars are totally cool before you add any frosting.

Step 5:

Dump the batter into your greased dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when you stick a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean.

Step 4:

Slowly mix the dry stuff into the wet stuff, stirring just enough to combine everything.

Step 3:

In another big bowl, mix together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until everything looks uniform.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Step 1:

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store your pumpkin bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Wait until the bars are fully cooled before frosting them so it doesn't melt off.

Helpful Notes

• Want some crunch? Try sprinkling walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted bars.
• You can make the frosting taste even better by adding a bit of maple syrup.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef's Tip: For the creamiest frosting ever, let your cream cheese and butter sit out until they're completely room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day early and just add the frosting right before you plan to eat them.

How do I store leftover pumpkin bars?

Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in your fridge. They'll stay good for about 5 days.

Can I freeze these pumpkin bars?

You bet. Freeze them without frosting for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in your fridge before adding frosting and serving.

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Summary

These pumpkin spice bars are fluffy, spiced bites of autumn topped with a creamy, rich frosting that melts in your mouth! Made with canned pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they're a quick, sweet fix for friends and family during any fall celebration. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top for a fun texture boost! Before frosting, always let bars cool to keep the creamy topping from sliding off.