Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
7. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and fluffy.
8. Once the pumpkin bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve.