Description
These pumpkin bars boast an incredible spiced pumpkin flavor with a soft and sturdy texture that is perfect for holding a rich, spiced cream cheese frosting. Unlike lighter, cakey pumpkin bars, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful treat topped with a luscious frosting that sets beautifully after chilling. Ideal for fall gatherings or cozy snacks, these bars are easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil*
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree*
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- optional: sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This creates the spiced dry base for your bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, pure maple syrup, canned pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and use a mixer or whisk to combine until the batter is fully incorporated. Expect a thick, spiced batter.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 28-35 minutes, monitoring closely. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. If edges or top brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. You can speed up cooling by refrigerating the bars after about 45 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Add the confectioners’ sugar, pure vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to start, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy. For a thicker frosting, add an extra 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin bars. To help the frosting set and make slicing easier, refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Serve and Store: Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, with or without a fork. Store leftover frosted bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Notes
- These pumpkin bars have a soft, sturdy texture that holds up well to the creamy spiced frosting, making them ideal for slicing and serving.
- The pumpkin pie spice can be store-bought or homemade to suit your taste preferences.
- Using full-fat brick cream cheese and unsalted butter ensures the frosting is rich and smooth.
- You can decorate the frosted bars with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cooling the bars completely before frosting is key to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Refrigerating the frosted bars before slicing helps create cleaner cuts and reduces mess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 1/24th of the recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
