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Pumpkin Bars

These soft and moist pumpkin bars are highlighted with cozy spices and topped with a creamy icing, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pumpkin bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Baking
  1. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until fluffy.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars, then slice and serve.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Great with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Optional: top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans.