Description
These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, tender, and warmly spiced an easy fall dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy afternoons at home. The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness beautifully, making this a true seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Stir until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting.
- For extra spice, add 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 265
