Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious and comforting dessert that are perfect for fall and winter seasons. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are also perfect for entertaining, as they can be easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving time. They are ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, and family gatherings, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Here is the recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Serving size and preparation time:

This recipe makes about 24 pumpkin bars and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, including baking and frosting time. However, the total time may vary depending on your cooking skills and the equipment you have available.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth and light. Add the oil and whisk until combined. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. To make the cream cheese frosting, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
11. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
12. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

These pumpkin bars are also very versatile and can be customized according to your preferences. For example, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor, or you can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Overall, Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a classic fall dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a creamy and tangy frosting. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.