Delicious Pumpkin Bars With Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Hey there! I’m Jenny, the wife, mom, and passionate creator behind Recipes Cookery. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures the essence of fall: Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to enjoy the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip them up even on a busy day!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering pumpkin bars:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Timing is everything in baking! Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the steps for making these scrumptious pumpkin bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pumpkin bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into a greased or lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, let’s make that irresistible cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Each pumpkin bar with cream cheese frosting contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten things up? Here are some healthier alternatives you can try:

• Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Try using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar content in the frosting.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin bars are perfect for various occasions! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve them as a dessert at your Thanksgiving gathering.
• Pack them in your child’s lunchbox as a sweet treat.
• Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dense bars.
• Skipping the cooling time before frosting will result in a melty mess!
• Overmixing the batter can make the bars tough instead of tender.

Storage Tips

Want to keep your pumpkin bars fresh? Here’s how to store them:

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful way to celebrate fall flavors. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, especially when my son joins me in the kitchen, turning baking into a family bonding experience!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. It may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be delicious!

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This should work well for this recipe!

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Using a sharp knife, make clean cuts. For cleaner edges, consider using a ruler to measure out even squares.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey! I hope you’ll try these Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting and create wonderful memories in your kitchen. Remember, cooking is all about sharing joy and love through food. Until next time, happy baking!

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