Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s something magical about the fall season, isn’t there? As the leaves start changing and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to roll up our sleeves in the kitchen. One of my all-time favorite treats to whip up with my kids is old-fashioned pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. They are moist, flavorful, and always a hit whether we’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy and comforting, these pumpkin bars fit the bill. The wonderful thing about this recipe is how simple it is. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the flavors of fall into your home! The best part? My kids love getting involved in the mixing and pouring — it’s a perfect after-school activity!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Let’s dive into this simple and delightful recipe. You’ll want to have your ingredients ready to go, so grab your aprons and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. I usually go for a 9×13 inch pan, but you can use whatever you have!
In a big bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You want all those warm spices to blend nicely.
In another bowl, beat together the sugars, vegetable oil, and eggs until it’s nice and smooth. Then, stir in that beautiful pumpkin puree.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain—no need to overdo it.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Don’t you just love that smell filling the house?
Allow your pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting them.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s silky smooth. Frost those cooled pumpkin bars generously and then cut them into squares.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These bars are delightful on their own, but here’s a fun tip: serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven! You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for that added touch of fall flavor.
How to Store Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you happen to have leftovers (or you want to make some ahead of time), store those pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 5 days—if they even last that long! The flavors develop even more after a day or two. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Mixing: Don’t over-mix your batter! It’s okay to leave a few lumps in there. Over-mixing can make the bars tough.
- Spice it Up: If your family loves spices, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or clove for an extra kick.
- Frosting Variations: You can add a bit of lemon juice or zest to the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing twist.
Variation
If you want to add some crunch, mix in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They’ll provide a lovely texture and flavor!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Fresh pumpkin can be a bit more watery, so you might want to adjust the flour slightly for the best consistency.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bars?
Yes, you can! Just frost them after thawing to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts to keep those squares looking nice. You can even heat the knife slightly for easier slicing!
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these old-fashioned pumpkin bars with your loved ones! There’s just nothing quite like making memories in the kitchen, especially when there’s a treat involved. Happy baking!
Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the pumpkin bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
For the cream cheese frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a big bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the sugars, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth, then stir in the pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.
- Frost the cooled pumpkin bars generously and cut them into squares.