Pumpkin Bars

Soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with a rich and fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy dessert

Yields: 24 Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Special Equipment: 10x15 jelly roll pan

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon allspice

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for the top)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup white sugar

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ⅔ cup vegetable oil

• 2 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese

• ½ cup butter

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 10x15-inch jellyroll pan.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, milk, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla until fully combined.

4. Combine: Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix only until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars dense.

5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely before frosting.

6. Make Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on medium-low until smooth. Add vanilla and mix. Gradually add powdered sugar, scraping sides as needed. Mix on low speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.

7. Frost & Serve: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bar and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. Slice and enjoy!