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- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup vegetable oil - 4 large eggs - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - ½ tsp ground nutmeg - ½ tsp salt - ½ tsp ground ginger The main ingredients for pumpkin bars create a soft, moist texture. The pumpkin puree brings a rich, earthy flavor. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives sweetness and depth. Vegetable oil keeps the bars moist and tender. Adding eggs helps bind everything together. - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency) For the cream cheese frosting, I use cream cheese and butter for a rich taste. The powdered sugar gives it sweetness and helps it stay thick. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. If the frosting is too thick, adding milk makes it just right. - Chopped nuts - Ground cinnamon Adding toppings is a fun way to enhance your bars. Chopped nuts offer a nice crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top enhances the pumpkin flavor and looks pretty. You can find the full recipe to make these delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Mix until it looks smooth. - Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. - In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of baking soda, and your spices: 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp of ground nutmeg, ½ tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of ground ginger. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined to keep the bars soft. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check if a toothpick comes out clean from the center. - Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. - For the cream cheese frosting, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Add milk if the frosting is too thick. - Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting on top. To make the best pumpkin bars, I recommend using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Fresh pumpkin gives a richer taste. It also adds a nice texture. You can roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. This simple step makes a big difference. Another tip is to opt for high-quality vanilla extract. It enhances the flavor of your bars. The better the vanilla, the better your bars will taste. Look for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation. Your taste buds will thank you! When mixing your batter, do not overmix it. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Just mix until the ingredients are combined. You want a soft and fluffy texture. Also, ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting. If they are warm, the frosting will melt. This can make a mess. Let the bars sit for at least 30 minutes after baking. This way, you get a perfect creamy layer on top. These pumpkin bars are best served chilled. The coolness pairs well with the sweet frosting. You can keep them in the fridge for a few hours before serving. I love to pair these bars with a warm beverage like chai or coffee. The spices in both the bars and drinks complement each other. It’s a cozy treat for any occasion. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of these pumpkin bars. Consider adding chocolate chips. They give a sweet twist that many love. You can also add nuts for a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. They add texture and flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, it's simple. Just replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This swap keeps the bars soft and tasty. Make sure to check the label for a blend that works well in baking. For those who want a dairy-free treat, you can make a few changes. Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Brands like cashew or soy cream cheese are great options. You can still enjoy the rich flavor without dairy. These variations let everyone enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. Try them out and see what you like best! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To keep your pumpkin bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they stay soft and tasty, making them perfect for snacks or dessert. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy the frozen bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This method keeps the bars moist and delicious, ensuring you get the best flavor possible. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! Yes, fresh pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute. To make fresh puree, roast or steam your pumpkin until soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. This gives your bars a vibrant flavor and texture. Using fresh pumpkin adds a unique twist to the classic recipe. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and fresh. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. This will help you spread the frosting easily. If it becomes too thin, just add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it back up. A smooth frosting makes the bars look more appealing. Yes, they can be baked and frosted the day before serving. This can save you time and stress. Just cover them well before refrigerating. When you serve them, they'll still be delicious and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Pumpkin bars are a tasty treat with rich flavors. You learned about key ingredients like pumpkin puree and cream cheese for frosting. Follow the easy steps to bake and frost your bars perfectly. Remember tips to avoid common mistakes and explore fun variations. Store them well for long-lasting enjoyment. Enjoy your delicious creation, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Dive in, share them with others, and enjoy every bite!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the deliciousness of Pumpkin Bliss Bars with Creamy Cheese Heaven! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for more. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, these bars are a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and savor the heavenly flavors of pumpkin bliss today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger until evenly mixed.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

          Bake: Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

            Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

              Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

                Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top using a spatula.

                  Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve to friends and family.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12-16 bars