Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars! Perfectly moist and rich, these bars feature a delightful blend of pumpkin and warm spices that create a symphony of flavors in every bite. With a luscious layer of creamy frosting on top, they're not just a dessert; they're a celebration of autumn. Whether for a cozy gathering, a festive holiday party, or simply to treat yourself, these pumpkin bars are sure to become a favorite. You won’t just make them once; you'll find yourself baking them all year long!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
4 (beaten)
white sugar
1 2/3 cups (granulated)
vegetable oil
1 cup (none)
pumpkin puree
15 ounces (canned)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
cream cheese
6 ounces (softened)
butter
6 tablespoons (softened)
confectioners' sugar
3 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch glass baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, mixing until well incorporated and fluffy.
8
Once the bars have cooled completely, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.
9
Cut into squares or bars, serve, and enjoy your delicious pumpkin cream cheese bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars?
They are rich and moist fall-themed dessert bars featuring pumpkin, warm spices, and a creamy frosting layer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch glass baking pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
What are the primary wet ingredients?
The wet ingredients consist of 4 beaten eggs, 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 15 ounces of pumpkin puree.
Which dry ingredients are used in the bars?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe calls for sifted all-purpose flour for the best texture.
How long should the pumpkin bars bake?
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.
Do the bars need to cool before frosting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting is made from 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, and 3 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
How do I mix the frosting?
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add the confectioners' sugar until fluffy.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies 15 ounces of canned pumpkin puree, fresh puree can be used if it has a similar consistency.
What spice gives these bars their fall flavor?
Ground cinnamon is the primary spice used to create the autumn flavor profile.
What is the texture of these pumpkin bars?
They are described as perfectly moist and rich.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How should the frosting be applied?
Once the bars are cool, use a spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 12 distinct ingredients.
What is the best way to serve these?
Cut them into squares or bars after frosting and serve.
Are these bars suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, they are an excellent choice for festive holiday gatherings and autumn celebrations.
Can I store these bars?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What type of oil is best?
The recipe calls for vegetable oil, which helps keep the bars moist.
Is the sugar in the frosting different from the batter?
Yes, the batter uses granulated white sugar, while the frosting uses sifted confectioners' sugar.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Should the eggs be beaten beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 large eggs that have been beaten.
How much butter is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 6 tablespoons of softened butter.
Is baking soda or baking powder used?
Both are used: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
What tool is best for spreading the batter?
A spatula is recommended for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
Are these bars easy to make?
Yes, they are tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home bakers.