When leaves turn and air gets cool, we feel a special joy. It’s pumpkin season! I baked pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for my family first. It was a chilly October afternoon.
I wanted something cozy and comforting. When I took those bars out of the oven, the kitchen filled with warm aroma. It signaled autumn’s arrival.
With a velvety cream cheese frosting, those bars became a favorite treat. Everyone loved them! They mix sweet and spiced flavors perfectly. This pumpkin dessert is a must-try for fall festivities.
Introduction to Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars are a favorite in fall baking. They are moist and full of flavor. These desserts are great for any event.
They mix pumpkin puree with spices for a cozy taste. This taste reminds us of autumn.
I make this pumpkin dessert recipe every fall. It makes 12 servings of delicious bars. The bars have cream cheese frosting on top.
This adds a sweet touch to the pumpkin flavor. Making them takes only 55 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking.
Making pumpkin bars is easy and fun. You can try different things to make them your own. These bars are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. Start making these bars to share a warm pumpkin treat with others.
Why Pumpkin Bars are Perfect for Fall
Fall is full of flavors, and pumpkin is a big star. Pumpkin bars are a top pick for holiday baking. They mix spices and pumpkin for a cozy taste of autumn.
Sharing pumpkin bars makes any fall event special. They taste amazing and bring back memories of pumpkin patches and leaves.
Baking these bars in a 9×9 inch pan makes 16 servings. The smell they make is amazing. They’re ready in about 32 minutes, perfect for guests or a snack.
Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
For the best pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, you need the right ingredients. Homemade pumpkin bars are sweet and spicy. They’re perfect for fall. Here’s what you need to make them.
Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree (I prefer Libby’s for its rich flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting
The cream cheese frosting is the best part of my homemade pumpkin bars. Here’s how to make it:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This frosting makes the pumpkin bars even better. It adds a rich flavor to every bite. Enjoy baking and treat yourself to these yummy bars!
| Nutritional Information per Bar | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 27 mg |
| Sodium | 119 mg |
| Potassium | 115 mg |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Vitamin A | 2795 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.7 mg |
| Calcium | 34 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Bars
Making homemade pumpkin bars is fun. It’s a tasty way to enjoy fall. Here’s how to make them.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
- First, heat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish lightly.
- Next, mix wet ingredients in a bowl. Use 1 cup of vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 1 can (15 ounces) of pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Then, mix dry ingredients in another bowl. You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 2/3 cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Put the mix in your baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.
- After baking, let the bars cool completely. Then, frost them with cream cheese frosting.
By following these steps, you’ll make delicious homemade pumpkin bars. They’re perfect on their own or with cream cheese frosting. This recipe brings the taste of autumn to your home.
Delicious Variations to Try
I love trying new things in my pumpkin bars. Adding crunchy textures or healthier ingredients makes them even better. These changes keep the pumpkin flavor we all love.
Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips
Adding ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts gives a nice crunch. Their nutty taste goes well with pumpkin. For something sweeter, ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips is perfect. They make the bars taste better and feel nice in your mouth.
Using Applesauce as a Healthier Option
Using ½ cup of applesauce instead of oil makes the bars lighter. It keeps them moist and is healthier. This is great for those who want to enjoy pumpkin without too many calories.
Storage Tips for Your Pumpkin Bars
Storing homemade pumpkin bars right keeps them tasty and soft. I always think about how to keep them fresh. This way, every bite is a joy.
How to Keep Pumpkin Bars Fresh
Here are some tips for storing them:
- Put the bars in a sealed container. This stops moisture from escaping and keeps them from smelling like the fridge.
- If I store them in the baking dish, I cover it tightly with foil.
- Unfrosted bars stay good in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Frosted ones can last up to 4 days.
- To keep them longer, I freeze them. They stay great for up to 3 months in the freezer.
By storing them this way, I can enjoy my treats longer. Whether it’s for myself or to share with others, it’s always a delight.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pumpkin bars are great for many things. Try cutting them into squares and topping with whipped cream. It makes them even better.
On a cool fall day, pair them with apple cider or coffee. It’s a perfect mix of flavors.
These bars are perfect for any time. They’re great for breakfast or dessert. They’re also perfect for picnics or parties.
Drizzling caramel sauce on top is a game-changer. It makes them even more delicious. Adding cinnamon adds a nice warmth.
At a fall party, serve pumpkin bars with different toppings. Guests can choose from nuts, chocolate chips, or powdered sugar. It’s fun and shows off the bars’ versatility.
More Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Enjoy
For pumpkin lovers like me, there’s a world of tasty options. These delicious pumpkin recipes are great for any time, perfect for holiday baking. Enjoy these yummy ideas that feature pumpkin as the main ingredient in your fall baking.
- Pumpkin Muffins: These soft and moist muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The warm spices combined with pumpkin create a comforting treat.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: This cake not only gives a rich pumpkin flavor but also makes for an impressive centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: A creamy twist on traditional cheesecake, this is a showstopper dessert that will wow your guests.
Each of these pumpkin dessert recipes offers a unique twist on the beloved flavor. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home. Pumpkin’s versatility lets me celebrate its deliciousness in many ways. Whether you choose a cozy muffin or an elegant cheesecake, these recipes will please everyone.
| Recipe | Prep Time | Bake Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Muffins | 15 minutes | 20-25 minutes | 12 muffins |
| Pumpkin Spice Cake | 20 minutes | 30-35 minutes | 1 cake |
| Pumpkin Cheesecake | 25 minutes | 60-75 minutes | 1 cheesecake |
Try these alternatives and fill your kitchen with pumpkin smells this season. These recipes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create cherished memories during your holiday baking sessions.
Share Your Pumpkin Bar Experience
When I baked the best pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, I felt so happy. Sharing these treats with others is the best part. I want you to try baking them too and add your own twist.
After baking, take pictures of your pumpkin bars. Share them on social media. Use hashtags for pumpkin desserts to join our community. It’s fun to see how your bars make others happy!
Enjoying baking and sharing is what makes it special. Let’s connect through our pumpkin bar creations. Together, we can inspire more people to bake these yummy bars!