Print

Ultra Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of moist pumpkin bars topped with thick cream cheese frosting, served on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make tender, spiced pumpkin bars topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This is a classic fall dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  11. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the moistest bars, ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
  • If you do not have cloves, you can increase the cinnamon to 2 1/2 teaspoons total.
  • Chill the bars for 30 minutes after frosting for easier, cleaner cutting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/