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Quick Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These quick spiced pumpkin bars are dense, moist, and perfectly spiced, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They come together in under 40 minutes and are the perfect easy fall dessert for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
  6. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely.
  7. While the bars cool, make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat on medium-high speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
  8. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  9. Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Do not overmix the batter. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, quick dessert, spiced pumpkin, easy baking

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/quick-spiced-pumpkin-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/