Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re in need of a cozy and delectable fall treat, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting. Every bite takes me right back to those crisp autumn days when the leaves change color and the air gets that delightful chill. I can just picture it now—my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of spices and pumpkin, the laughter of friends as they gather around, savoring each delicious slice!
These pumpkin bars aren’t just any dessert; they are super moist, full of pumpkin goodness, and topped off with a creamy frosting that makes them downright irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a staple in your fall repertoire—everyone will beg for the recipe, and you’ll be more than happy to share it!
What’s in Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these bars a true autumn delight:
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! This gives our bars a wonderful moisture and that distinct pumpkin flavor. I like to use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but if you have the time, roasting your own pumpkin is a magical experience!
Granulated Sugar: This is what gives our bars that perfect sweetness. It balances out the spices and enhances the pumpkin taste.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture, making these bars super soft and tender. You could also use melted coconut oil for a little twist in flavor!
Eggs: They help bind everything together and provide structure, giving your pumpkin bars that lovely cake-like texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our bars. It provides stability and structure—but don’t worry, these bars will still be delightfully soft!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both leavening agents help the bars rise and become fluffy, ensuring you’re not biting into a dense cake.
Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: These spices add that cozy fall taste! They’re like a warm hug in your mouth and make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly!
For the frosting, let’s not forget about the dreamy:
Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy, it’s the heart of the frosting. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and helps achieve that fluffy texture we all love.
Powdered Sugar: To sweeten and give that luscious, smooth quality to the frosting.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything taste better, don’t you think?
And finally, optional gold sprinkles, because why not add a little sparkle to your life?
Is Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health factor of these scrumptious bars. While they are undeniably a treat, they do pack some nutritional benefits too!
Pumpkin Puree: This is a fantastic source of Vitamin A, which is great for your eyesight, and it’s also loaded with fiber, helping with digestion. Who knew treating yourself could also come with some benefits?
Spices: The spices like cinnamon and ginger aren’t just for flavor; they have anti-inflammatory properties as well and can help regulate blood sugar levels—a win-win!
That said, if you’re watching your sugar intake, these bars are on the sweeter side, thanks to the sugar and frosting. Moderation is key here, because sometimes you just need to indulge!
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 16 delightful bars!
– **For the Bars**:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– **For the Cream Cheese Frosting**:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Gold sprinkles, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting?
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until everything is fully blended and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix—lumps are okay!
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let those bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While they’re cooling, get started on that dreamy cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth.
8. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and luscious.
9. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
10. For a little extra bling, sprinkle some gold sprinkles on top for decoration—because who doesn’t love a little sparkle?
Delicious Tips for Pumpkin Bars
– These pumpkin bars are best served at room temperature. Just let them chill out a bit after frosting, and they’ll be perfect!
– If frosting isn’t your thing (but why would it be?), feel free to dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
– You can store these beauties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week—if they last that long!
– For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra crunch or sweetness.
So, my dear friends, I hope you give these Pumpkin Bars with Gooey Cream Cheese Frosting a try! They’re sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget to come back and share your pumpkin bar adventures—I can’t wait to hear how they turned out for you! Happy baking!
