Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These pumpkin bars with brown sugar frosting are a perfect fall treat, combining moist, spiced pumpkin cake with a rich and creamy frosting. They’re easy to make and ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a cozy dessert anytime.

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
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 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. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Stir in the walnuts or pecans, if using.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
10. Step 10: For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
11. Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until combined.
12. Step 12: Stir in the vanilla extract.
13. Step 13: Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable.
14. Step 14: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth in the spice blend.
• Use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for convenience.
• To make the frosting lighter, use half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow chilled bars to come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a softer texture. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Use the same amount (about 1 1/2 cups) but make sure it’s cooked and smooth before adding.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the bars are done.

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a luscious Brown Sugar Frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert combines warm spices with creamy frosting to create a comforting treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Frosting

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
4. Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir the pumpkin puree into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars dense.
6. Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly through the batter.
7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
9. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
10. Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy using a mixer.
11. Add Sugars: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and light brown sugar until combined and smooth.
12. Flavor Frosting: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to add depth to the frosting’s flavor.
13. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
14. Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Be sure to use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the bars before frosting can help the frosting spread more smoothly.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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