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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bars topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. A cozy bake that slices cleanly into shareable squares.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.75 tsp baking soda
  • 0.75 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.9 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.6 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil canola or vegetable
  • 1.75 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened for frosting
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened for frosting
  • 2.25 cup confectioners' sugar for frosting
  • 1.25 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
  • 0.125 tsp fine salt for frosting
  • 1.5 tbsp milk or heavy cream as needed for spreading

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
  • Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until slightly thick and lighter, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix in oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just until no flour streaks remain.
  • Spread batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
  • Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lump-free, about 2 minutes.
  • Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low, then increase speed; add milk to reach a fluffy, spreadable frosting.
  • Spread frosting over cooled bars. Chill 15 minutes for cleaner cuts, then slice into squares.

Notes

Stir 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans into the frosting or sprinkle on top. For tidy slices, wipe the knife between cuts. Store covered in the fridge up to 5 days; freeze unfrosted bars up to 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.