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Cozy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy Fall Dessert

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These cozy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a perfect fall dessert. They are simple to make, incredibly moist, and topped with a creamy, set frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Let bars cool in pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then lift out using parchment and cool completely on the rack.
  7. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add vanilla and salt, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Spread frosting evenly over completely cooled bars. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter. Room temperature ingredients are important for smooth incorporation. For clean slices, chill frosted bars for at least 30 minutes. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, pumpkin spice

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-fall-dessert/