Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh pumpkin puree, good-quality cream cheese, and warming spices all make a big difference. I always choose organic pumpkin puree when I can, as it adds a natural sweetness and depth. When picking cream cheese, I opt for full-fat for that creamy richness, but low-fat works if you’re watching calories. These simple choices really elevate the final result.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This mix of spices brings the warmth that makes pumpkin bars so special.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; overbaking dries out the bars.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the frosting—it adds a lovely aroma and a hint of extra spice.
- Cut into squares and enjoy! I find these bars taste even better the next day, once the flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
