Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

When the crisp autumn air settles in, the craving for something sweet and comforting often follows. For me, Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting evoke fond memories of fall gatherings and family celebrations. These delightful treats combine the warm spices of the season with the creamy richness of a well-crafted frosting. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself, these bars are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These pumpkin bars are not just any dessert; they are a celebration of autumn flavors in an easy, fuss-free format. They’re perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving dinner, or even cozy family evenings. With minimal prep time and using ingredients you likely have in your pantry, they offer a budget-friendly way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the combination of stored pumpkin puree and a rich cream cheese frosting makes them a crowd-pleaser!

"These pumpkin bars remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen. The perfect balance of spices and a creamy topping – my family requests them every year!" – A happy home baker

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a straightforward process. You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet, allowing for an even distribution of flavors. Once baked, a generous layer of cream cheese frosting transforms these bars from delicious to decadent.

What You’ll Need

Gather these essential ingredients to create your pumpkin bars and frosting:

• Dry Ingredients

  • 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

• Wet Ingredients

  • 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

• Frosting Components

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Note: You can substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier twist. Feel free to use your favorite cake flour for a lighter texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until blended.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until fully integrated.
4. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is well incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix just until no flour pockets remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
10. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
12. Cut into squares and serve.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These pumpkin bars are excellent on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You can even sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for a crunchy texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your pumpkin bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve both the texture and flavor for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, individually wrap pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months! Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and creamier frosting.
• Measuring Flour: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting and results in a lighter texture.
• Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even a swirl of caramel into the batter for a unique flavor. Consider using flavored cream cheese (like pumpkin spice) for the frosting for an extra punch of seasonal goodness.

Your Questions Answered

How long do these pumpkin bars take to prepare?

The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 35-40 minutes of baking time.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just cook and puree it until smooth. This might give your bars a more rustic flavor.

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze beautifully when wrapped properly. Just remember to cut them into portions before freezing for convenience.

Enjoy the soothing flavors of fall with these irresistible Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars. They’re not just a dessert, but a beautiful way to gather loved ones around the table, all while savoring the cozy, comforting essence of autumn!

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Delicious pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy family moments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine: American, Seasonal

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil Can substitute with applesauce for a healthier twist.
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree Can use fresh pumpkin instead.

Frosting Components

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until blended.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until fully integrated.
4. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is well incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix just until no flour pockets remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Baking

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Frosting

1. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
4. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

Serve warm with ice cream or alongside spiced chai tea for a cozy treat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Let frosted bars cool completely to avoid a melty mess.

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