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Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 bars 1x

Description

These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are a perfect easy fall dessert featuring moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a rich, creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting. A delightful treat that balances warm autumn spices with sweet and tangy frosting, ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir the canned pumpkin puree into the wet mixture until fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you choose to include them for added texture and flavor.
  7. Fill Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula to level the surface.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  9. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting Base: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  11. Add Sugars: Gradually add the powdered sugar and light brown sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition until combined.
  12. Flavor Frosting: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the frosting’s flavor.
  13. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time to the frosting while mixing, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency that is smooth but not runny.
  14. Frost Cooled Bars: Spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best texture and flavor.
  • Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
  • Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin bars, pumpkin dessert, brown sugar frosting, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin spice, easy pumpkin bars

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Find it online: https://gabriellangdon.com/pumpkin-bars-with-brown-sugar-frosting-recipe/