Pumpkin Bars

There’s something comforting about simple and seasonal desserts that come together in a jiffy! These delicious pumpkin bars are as soft as pillows and heavenly to taste. Better yet: they’re simple to make, which means you can easily make a second batch for your office friends or a neighbor.

How to make these your own

Can I use my own frosting?

Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting provided is simplicity itself, but not everyone loves cream cheese. You can easily use your favorite buttercream, or go crazy and try out some other flavored frostings.

What if I want more spices?

This recipe only calls for cinnamon, but you can certainly make the flavor more complex if you so desire. Add in a pinch of ground allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon for the full ‘pumpkin spice’, or create your own spice blend!

Decorations

These bars are almost begging to be decorated with candy corns, festive Halloween sprinkles, or whatever else you have on hand. Have fun!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup sugar (can substitute with 3/4 cup honey)

  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 2 eggs

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

  • 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter and set aside while you compile the ingredients.

Start by mixing your oil and sugar. Add in the pumpkin and stir until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture will look slightly lumpy. Next, add in the flour and the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add in the eggs and stir until fully incorporated.

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Spread the mixture in the prepared 9 x 13 pan, making sure the mixture is even. Place in the oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, or until everything is cooked and the edges are just browning slightly. Let cool completely.

Next, make your frosting. I highly recommend using either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer for this. You can do this by hand, but….ouch!

Place the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in the mixer or in a stable bowl. Mix everything on medium speed until it becomes the consistency of a thick but smooth frosting.

Spread all over the pumpkin bars and enjoy!