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Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rich, chewy oatmeal bars layered with spiced pumpkin filling and topped with velvety cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Oatmeal Crust and Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
Pumpkin Filling
  • 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until set. Let cool slightly.
  4. While the crust cools, make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the pumpkin puree, whole milk, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour the pumpkin filling over the warm crust. Sprinkle the remaining third of the oat mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled.
  7. Prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low until combined, then increase to high and beat until fluffy.
  8. Lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously over the bars. Dust with cinnamon and cut into squares.

Notes

The bars must be completely chilled before adding the cream cheese frosting, or it will melt. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.