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Plate of freshly baked pumpkin bars frosted with cream cheese icing

Proven way to grow amazing 3 Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars are a delightful autumn treat, combining warm spices with a moist pumpkin base. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they offer a comforting taste of the season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk if needed for consistency
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
Make the Bars
  1. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the pumpkin bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract, and if needed for desired consistency, add a tablespoon of milk.
  4. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over them.
  5. If desired, garnish with chopped pecans before serving.

Notes

Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. For a spicier bar, increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.