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Best EVER Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 11 reviews

These Best EVER Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall or any occasion. Featuring warm spices blended into a tender pumpkin cake base, topped with a luscious and creamy frosting, this easy-to-make dessert will quickly become your seasonal favorite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bars

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 15 ounces canned pumpkin
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a half sheet pan measuring approximately 13 by 18 inches and set aside to get ready for the batter.
  2. Make pumpkin batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, canola oil, sugar, and canned pumpkin until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
  3. Bake the bars. Pour the pumpkin batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the surface springs back when lightly tapped. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the frosting.
  4. Prepare cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Beat in the almond extract and milk for added flavor and creaminess.
  5. Frost and serve. Once the pumpkin bars are fully cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your moist and spice-filled pumpkin bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting!

Notes

  • Make sure the pumpkin bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Canola oil keeps the bars moist but you can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
  • Almond extract in the frosting can be substituted with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For easier slicing, refrigerate the frosted bars for about 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American