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Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, perfectly spiced pumpkin squares topped with a thick, velvety, and ultra-glossy cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Bar Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 0.5 tsp cloves
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gooey Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
  5. Spread batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream; beat until gooey and glossy.
  8. Spread over cooled bars, sprinkle with gold sugar, and cut into squares.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the glossiest frosting, beat for at least 5 minutes.