Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome to a recipe that embodies the essence of fall comfort and nostalgia: Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese. These delightful bars are a cherished reminder of the cozy gatherings and cherished memories made during the autumn season. With a soft, spiced crumb that perfectly complements a luscious layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends coming back for more.

As the leaves begin to fall, these Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese quickly become a requested favorite in my household. The aroma of warm spices and pumpkin emanating from the oven evokes memories of baking with loved ones and brings a sense of joy to any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning or shared at a festive gathering, these bars are sure to spread warmth and happiness wherever they go.

For those looking to add a personal touch, feel free to experiment with variations such as swapping out some oil for applesauce or opting for a dairy-free frosting alternative. These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese are not just a treat for the taste buds but a comforting tradition that can be shared with generations to come. Embrace the flavors of autumn and create new memories with every bite of these delicious pumpkin bars.

Quick Benefits

• Nostalgic flavor reminiscent of cozy autumn gatherings
• Versatile recipe with options for ingredient substitutions (e.g., applesauce for oil, vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
• Long shelf life if stored properly (up to 2 days at room temperature, up to a week refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage)
• Perfect for gatherings and entertaining, easily customizable with various toppings or frostings

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of cozy autumn gatherings, evoking memories of family traditions and the warmth of home-cooked treats.
• Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spicy, soft crumb of the pumpkin bars, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a work potluck or a family gathering, these pumpkin bars disappear quickly and are always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Seasonal Comfort: The blend of warm spices and pumpkin puree in these bars brings the essence of autumn to the table, making them a perfect treat for the fall season.
• Versatile Options: You can customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like using applesauce for a lighter crumb or opting for dairy-free frosting, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Storage and Make-Ahead: These bars can be stored well for several days, frozen for longer storage, and taste even better when made a day ahead, offering convenience and flexibility for busy schedules.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Serve these pumpkin bars with hot apple cider or coffee for a delightful autumn treat, and consider garnishing them with roasted pepitas or cinnamon for an elegant presentation at gatherings.

Ingredients for Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bar Base

• 110 g packed brown sugar
• 1 g ground ginger
• 5 g baking soda
• 1 g ground nutmeg
• 3 g fine salt
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 4 g ground cinnamon
• 240 ml vegetable oil
• 425 g pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 260 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 0.5 g ground cloves
• 5 g baking powder

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 15–30 ml heavy cream, as needed
• 115 g unsalted butter, softened
• 240 g powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pro Tip 1: For a richer flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg in the pumpkin bars. It adds a hint of complexity that enhances the warm spices and aroma in the recipe, perfect for capturing nostalgic autumn memories.

Pro Tip 2: To keep your pumpkin bars moist and flavorful, consider swapping half of the vegetable oil with applesauce. This adjustment can result in a lighter crumb while still maintaining the delicious taste that your family and friends will love.

Pro Tip 3: To elevate the presentation of your pumpkin bars, consider adding a garnish of roasted pepitas or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. These simple touches can enhance the visual appeal and add a delightful crunch to the bars, making them even more inviting for your guests or family gathering.

How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preparation of Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare a 23 x 33 cm rectangular pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisk until well mixed.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Integrate Mixtures

Gently combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a batter forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency by adding heavy cream as needed.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Evenly spread cream cheese frosting over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into portions and serve at room temperature.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese, it is recommended to keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness of the bars and the texture of the cream cheese frosting for up to 5 days. If you plan to serve them later, baking and frosting the bars a day ahead will enhance the flavor. Simply chill them in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before adding the cream cheese frosting for the best texture. Additionally, if you prefer a different frosting flavor, you can experiment with vanilla, cinnamon, or maple frostings to complement the pumpkin bars beautifully. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting can provide extra crunch and flavor to the bars. Enjoy these cozy autumn treats with your loved ones and savor the flavors of the season!

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. This swap will reduce the overall fat content while still keeping the bars moist and delicious.

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for the frosting. This substitution will allow those with dairy allergies or dietary preferences to still enjoy these pumpkin bars with a creamy, tangy topping.

Feel free to adjust the spice levels in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor or a milder ginger taste, you can customize the amounts of these spices to create a bar that suits your palate.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the pumpkin bars into mini squares and skewering each square with a small bamboo stick to create pumpkin bar pops. This presentation adds a fun twist and makes them easy to grab and enjoy at parties or gatherings. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

To elevate the presentation, serve the pumpkin bars on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of maple frosting, cinnamon frosting, and vanilla frosting. This way, guests can customize their bars with different frosting flavors, adding a interactive and festive element to your dessert spread. Don’t forget to dust the bars with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a finishing touch that enhances the autumn flavors.

FAQs for Delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, cooked and well-drained fresh pumpkin puree works well as a substitute for canned pumpkin in this recipe.

How should I store these pumpkin bars?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and frosting texture.

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake and frost a day ahead for best flavor; chill and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze these pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them, then frost before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

The comforting aroma of warm spices and the creamy richness of the cream cheese frosting make these Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese a true autumn delight. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delicious scent of pumpkin and spices fill your home. Bake a batch of these Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese and create new memories with your loved ones. Embrace the season with each delightful bite and savor the simple joys of fall baking.