Description
Seasonal spice meets creamy indulgence in these heavenly Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert that whispers autumn’s warmth. Comforting layers of moist pumpkin cake topped with silky frosting will make you crave seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) canned pumpkin
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Frosting:
- 1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
- Whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, and oil in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend.
- Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon, stirring until ingredients integrate seamlessly without overmixing.
- Transfer the liquid batter into a thoroughly greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test which indicates complete internal cooking.
- Remove from oven and allow the pumpkin sheet cake to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes 60-90 minutes.
- Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the entire surface using a flexible spatula.
- Slice into precise rectangular bars, ensuring clean, even cuts for an appetizing presentation.
- Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a healthier twist and subtle tropical flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, as the cream cheese frosting already adds significant sweetness.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting and becoming runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg