Delicious and Moist Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the deliciousness of moist pumpkin bars with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. These pumpkin bars are the perfect fall dessert, packed with warm spices and a hint of pumpkin flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and smooth texture that complements the pumpkin bars beautifully. Easy to make and a crowd favorite, these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 2 teaspoons baking powder
• - 1 teaspoon baking soda
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• - 1/2 cup milk
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• - 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• - 2 cups powdered sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan.
10. In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well incorporated.
12. Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
13. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts