Description
Delicious and comforting pumpkin bars topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If you like, stir in the walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Fresh spices enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg