Description
These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars are moist, flavorful, and perfect for autumn or any time you crave a spiced pumpkin treat. Featuring a tender pumpkin-infused cake base topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re easy to make and deliciously comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Frosting
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: If using, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins evenly through the batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin bars to ensure it sets well.
- Serve: Cut the pumpkin bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- Raisins add extra sweetness and texture but can be left out if preferred.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
- You can substitute pumpkin puree with homemade cooked pumpkin puree if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.