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Fall Pumpkin Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

These Fall Pumpkin Bars are a delightful autumn treat featuring a moist and spiced pumpkin cake base topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or a cozy dessert, these bars combine warm flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with a smooth, sweet topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (Can substitute with coconut sugar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (Or use melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese (Softened)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (Softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (As needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily after baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined for a uniform batter.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are perfectly cooked.
  6. Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  8. Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy your seasonal pumpkin bars!

Notes

  • You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor and lower glycemic index.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
  • Using melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil will add a subtle coconut flavor.
  • If you prefer a thinner frosting, adjust milk quantity accordingly while mixing.
  • Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, spiced pumpkin bars, autumn treats, pumpkin puree dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/fall-pumpkin-bars-recipe/