Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delectable treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. These moist, flavorful bars topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting are a crowd-pleaser, especially during the fall season when pumpkin-flavored everything is all the rage. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Keep reading to discover a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the best pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. Let's dive into the recipe!

What are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are essentially a cross between a cake and a brownie, packed with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These bars are soft, dense, and moist, perfect for enjoying as a dessert or even a midday snack. The crowning glory of this dessert is the luxurious cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced pumpkin base. This combination of flavors and textures makes pumpkin bars a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need for the pumpkin bars:

1 cup of pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of brown sugar (packed)
1 cup of vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon of ground cloves
¼ teaspoon of ground ginger (optional for extra spice)
½ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the delicious cream cheese frosting that tops the pumpkin bars, you'll need the following ingredients:

8 oz (1 package) of cream cheese (softened)
½ cup of unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

These ingredients combine to create a frosting that's smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spiced pumpkin bars.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious as-is, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try to tweak the recipe to your liking or dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it's designed for baking to achieve the right texture.
Healthier Option: You can swap the vegetable oil for an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat without sacrificing moisture.
Sugar Substitutes: If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener instead of the granulated and brown sugar.
Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste. Some people prefer more cinnamon, while others might enjoy adding cardamom or allspice for a more unique flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Frosting: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to make the frosting dairy-free. Brands like Daiya or Kite Hill offer great dairy-free alternatives that work well in frosting recipes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create perfect pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger (if using), and salt.
Incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bars should feel firm to the touch.
Cool completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once your pumpkin bars have cooled, it's time to prepare the frosting and finish off your dessert:

Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until everything is smooth and fluffy.
Frost the cooled bars: Using a spatula or offset knife, spread the frosting over the top of the cooled pumpkin bars in an even layer. You can make it as thick or thin as you like.
Chill and set: If you prefer a firmer frosting, you can place the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the bars cool before frosting: Applying the frosting to warm bars will cause it to melt and become runny. Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense bars. Stir the ingredients just until combined.
Using canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree: Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which will alter the flavor and texture of the bars. Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your pumpkin bars can elevate them from simple homemade treats to show-stopping desserts. Here are some tips to serve and present your pumpkin bars:

Cut into uniform squares: Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the bars into equal squares for a polished look. Aim for 16 bars from a 9x13-inch pan.
Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon: For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the frosted bars for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side of each bar adds an extra level of indulgence.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you're hosting a fall party or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, here are some ways to serve them:

Casual gathering: Arrange the bars on a large platter or cake stand and let guests serve themselves.
Elegant dessert: Plate each bar individually with a decorative drizzle of caramel sauce or a side of vanilla ice cream for a more upscale presentation.
Holiday potluck: Pack the bars in a sturdy container and transport them easily to holiday gatherings or potlucks. The cream cheese frosting will stay firm if the bars are kept cool.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars

To make your pumpkin bars visually appealing, try these simple yet effective presentation ideas:

Top with chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for a crunchy contrast and a beautiful garnish.
Cinnamon swirl frosting: Before spreading the frosting, mix a bit of cinnamon into part of the cream cheese frosting and swirl it on top for a marbled effect.
Edible flowers: For a special occasion, decorate the bars with edible flowers like pansies or marigolds, which pair beautifully with the rich orange hue of the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

Make-ahead option: You can bake the pumpkin bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost them the next day when you're ready to serve.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting for the smoothest, creamiest result.
Storage: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer them room temperature, let the bars sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin bars (without frosting) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

How long do pumpkin bars last?
Pumpkin bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by ½ cup. You can also add a little lemon juice for more tanginess.

What type of pumpkin should I use?
Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You can also use homemade pumpkin puree if you have it on hand.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall dessert, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices with the smooth, tangy sweetness of cream cheese. They're easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. With the step-by-step guide, tips, and variations provided here, you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious batch of pumpkin bars that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking!