Introduction
Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars are a delightful autumn treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a delicious dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering pumpkin bars that are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
To make Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
– 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 4 eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you begin making the pumpkin bars.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare and bake the Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy.
Step 6: Frost the Bars
Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or chopped nuts for extra flavor and decoration.
Variations
There are several ways to customize your Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars:
1. Add Nuts
You can fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin bar batter for added crunch and flavor.
2. Drizzle Caramel Sauce
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
3. Pumpkin Spice Frosting
Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese frosting for an extra burst of fall flavors.
4. Chocolate Swirl
Create a chocolate swirl by melting chocolate and drizzling it over the cream cheese frosting before it sets.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars turn out perfectly:
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure the cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
2. Do Not Overmix
Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense bars. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
3. Cool Completely
Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
4. Store Properly
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a moist pumpkin base and a creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars:
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree for canned in this recipe. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the fresh puree.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars before frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Q: Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?
A: Yes, you can enjoy the pumpkin bars without the cream cheese frosting for a lighter option. Simply dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars
Delightful autumn treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as a delicious dessert with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
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1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
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4 eggs
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1 cup vegetable oil
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until smooth.
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Gradually add sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until creamy.
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Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add optional toppings like cinnamon or chopped nuts.
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Serve and enjoy!
