Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars are a fall classic! Moist and flavorful with warm spices, pumpkin puree, and a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. Easy to bake in one pan and perfect for serving a crowd, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well blended.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for texture.
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted for 2 months.