Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 2 large eggs; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting: prepare to be utterly captivated by this quintessential fall treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, spiced pumpkin bar, its warm flavors perfectly complemented by a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While the exact origins of pumpkin bars are a bit hazy, they likely evolved from pumpkin bread recipes, gaining popularity as home bakers sought new and exciting ways to showcase the versatile pumpkin. Pumpkins themselves have a rich history, deeply intertwined with Native American culture and traditions. They were a vital food source, and their use has expanded over centuries to become a beloved symbol of autumn and harvest.

What makes pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of comforting spice, moist texture, and the delightful tang of the frosting. They are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, instantly evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a touch of elegance and richness that elevates these bars from simple to sublime. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Preparing the Pumpkin Bars

Preheat and Prep: First things first, let's get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating up, grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove later. I like to use a cooking spray that contains flour for extra insurance.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you that warm, comforting pumpkin flavor in every bite.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. Then, add the pumpkin puree and eggs. Whisk again until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Don't overmix at this stage, just make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until the flour disappears, and then stop. A few small lumps are okay.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the top should spring back slightly when touched.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial! Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, or even longer if I have the time. You can even bake them the day before and frost them the next day.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Soften the Ingredients: This is key to a smooth and creamy frosting. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are both softened to room temperature before you start. If they're too cold, they won't blend properly, and you'll end up with lumpy frosting. I usually take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before I plan to make the frosting.
Cream Together: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you'll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen! After each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting, and the salt balances the sweetness. Mix until well combined.
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. I prefer a frosting that's thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to spread.

Frosting and Serving

Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula or a butter knife to do this. I like to create a smooth, even layer of frosting, but you can also swirl it for a more rustic look.
Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set up and make the bars easier to cut. However, they're also delicious served at room temperature!
Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. These pumpkin bars are perfect for a fall dessert, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are truly a must-try, especially as the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that crisp, autumnal bite. I know, I know, there are a million pumpkin recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the warm spices, the moist, cake-like texture of the bar itself, and that tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. It's a symphony of fall flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). What makes these bars so special? It's the perfect balance. They're not overly sweet, allowing the pumpkin and spices to really shine. The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious richness that elevates them from a simple treat to a truly decadent dessert. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make! No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Even a novice baker can whip up a batch of these beauties with confidence. But the best part? They're incredibly versatile! While I personally adore them exactly as written, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting before it sets. * Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle kick. * Chocolate lovers rejoice: Fold in chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – your choice!) into the batter. * Coffee break: Serve these bars with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced latte for the ultimate fall indulgence. * Make it festive: Cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a holiday gathering. * Individual servings: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual pumpkin bar cupcakes. Adjust baking time accordingly. * Frosting alternatives: While the cream cheese frosting is my absolute favorite, you could also use a simple vanilla buttercream or even a maple glaze. * Vegan option: Substitute the eggs with applesauce or a flax egg and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting. I truly believe that these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting will become a new family favorite. They're perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in with a good book. They're also a fantastic way to use up that leftover pumpkin puree from your Halloween carving adventures! So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these pumpkin bars. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? I'm always eager to hear your feedback and see your creations. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!