Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars

These moist pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall treat—easy to make and full of warm spices.

45 min Serves 35 Medium American

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These pumpkin bars are a simple dessert made with canned pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. They bake in a jelly roll pan and are cut into squares, making them ideal for parties or a cozy snack. Optional garnishes like extra cinnamon or candy pumpkins add a festive touch.

Directions

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with butter and set aside.

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine 4 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, the can of pumpkin puree, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix just until blended.

In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened salted butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Optionally, mix in a pinch of salt and cinnamon.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top.

Cut into squares and, if you like, garnish each with a candy pumpkin.