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The Best Cozy Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Soft, tender pumpkin bars packed with warm fall spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy recipe delivers comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (245g) pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined (a few streaks of flour are okay). Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22-26 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Edges should be lightly golden.
  6. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out and transfer to wire rack to cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  7. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Beat on low until incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Spread frosting evenly over completely cooled bars. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting to prevent lumps. For clean slices, chill frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, spiced pumpkin, easy pumpkin recipe, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/the-best-cozy-spiced-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/