Delicious Pumpkin Spice Bars with Creamy Frosting
Indulge in these decadent pumpkin spice bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. The moist, spiced pumpkin bars blend warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves, making them a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. This recipe yields 48 generous servings, making it an excellent option for potlucks, parties, or simply sharing with friends and family. Your guests will love the creamy frosting that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to this already scrumptious dessert.
N/A
Servings
364
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (none)
eggs
4 (beaten)
pumpkin puree
1 (15-ounce) can (canned)
cooking oil
1 cup (none)
cream cheese
1 (3-ounce) package (softened)
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly blended.
3
Add the beaten eggs, pumpkin puree, and cooking oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; take care not to overmix.
4
Pour the batter into an ungreased 15x10-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
6
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours on a wire rack. Remember, they must be completely cooled before frosting.
7
To make the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter (or margarine), and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
8
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
9
Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
10
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
51g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many servings does this Pumpkin Spice Bars recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 48 generous servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use an ungreased 15x10-inch baking pan to bake these bars.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the pumpkin spice bars need to bake?
The bars typically take between 25 to 30 minutes to bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a wooden toothpick near the center of the pan; if it comes out clean, the bars are finished.
How long should the bars cool before I add the frosting?
The pumpkin bars must cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours on a wire rack before frosting.
What are the ingredients for the creamy frosting?
The frosting is made from softened cream cheese, softened butter or margarine, vanilla extract, and sifted powdered sugar.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify pouring the batter into an ungreased 15x10-inch baking pan.
How many eggs are needed for the pumpkin bars?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the batter.
Should the bars be refrigerated after frosting?
Yes, for the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least one hour before serving.
What spices are used in these pumpkin bars?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground cloves to provide a warm spice flavor.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the frosting?
Yes, the recipe allows for either softened butter or margarine to be used in the cream cheese frosting.
What type of pumpkin should I use?
You should use one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree for this recipe.
How much oil is included in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooking oil to ensure the bars remain moist.
How much powdered sugar is required for the frosting?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of sifted powdered sugar for the cream cheese frosting.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
The ingredient list specifies 2 cups of all-purpose flour that has been sifted.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 364 calories.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
Both are used: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda are included in the dry ingredients.
What type of sugar is used in the pumpkin bar base?
The base recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much cream cheese is in the frosting?
The frosting uses one 3-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
Can I overmix the batter?
It is recommended to stir until just combined and take care not to overmix the batter.
How much vanilla extract is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
What is the fat content of these bars?
Each serving contains about 13 grams of fat.
Are these bars suitable for a holiday potluck?
Yes, they are an excellent option for potlucks and holiday gatherings due to their high yield and seasonal flavor.
What is the carbohydrate count for a serving?
There are approximately 51 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I achieve a smooth frosting consistency?
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition.
What is the first step in making the frosting?
Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What makes these bars moist?
The combination of pumpkin puree and cooking oil provides a moist and decadent texture.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed in with the dry ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Absolutely, the warm spices and pumpkin make it a perfect treat for autumn or Thanksgiving celebrations.