Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars

Moist pumpkin bars topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting make the perfect fall treat.

120 min Serves 12 - 16 serving(s) Medium American

Our own summary of the original by Leah Perez — the full post and photos live at thepioneerwoman.com.

These pumpkin bars are a delicious dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin base and a creamy, spiced cream cheese frosting. The bars are baked in a 13x9 pan, then topped with a fluffy frosting made from cream cheese, butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for autumn gatherings, they should be refrigerated if not eaten immediately.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined. Add the all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt, stirring just until incorporated.

Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with baking spray that contains flour. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

To make the spiced cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add the softened butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and beat until well combined and creamy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.

Spread the spiced cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, as the frosting will soften at room temperature.