Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 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
- 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well blended.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
11. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
12. Cut into squares and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Tips:
Use canned pumpkin puree for consistent moisture and flavor in the bars.
Chill the frosting before spreading to prevent it from melting on the warm pumpkin bars.