Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the leaves start to paint the world in hues of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese to herald the arrival of autumn. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of the season, embodying the essence of fall in every bite. Beloved at harvest festivals, cherished at Thanksgiving, and adored on any chilly day, these bars bring together the warm spices of pumpkin with the cool tang of cream cheese for a match made in dessert heaven.

Perfect for family gatherings, community potlucks, or a quiet moment with a book, these pumpkin bars are sure to bring smiles and warmth. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, a mug of hot cider, or as a follow-up to a comforting autumnal meal. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your dessert table or a sweet snack to brighten a dreary day, this recipe promises delight.

Servings: Makes about 24 bars

INGREDIENTS:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg

4 large eggs

1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree

1 cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This cozy blend of spices is the secret to those iconic fall flavors.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil until well blended—it should look like a sunset in autumn.

Make the Batter: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just enough to combine everything into a smooth, homogenous batter.

Bake the Magic: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The scent of spices filling your kitchen will be utterly divine.

Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key—the flavors develop beautifully as they cool …