Description
This easy fall treat features soft, flavorful pumpkin cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting — perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars:
4 eggs, beaten
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup sugar
1 cup oil (or substitute with applesauce)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, and oil until smooth.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until just combined.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Frost: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Spread frosting over the cooled bars.
Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
For added crunch, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts before baking.
Use homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s thick and well-drained.
Frost after cooling completely to avoid melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
