Ingredients
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
– 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your very own Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
8. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
9. Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
10. Serve or Store: Cut into squares and serve immediately, or store them covered in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
By following these steps, you will achieve moist, flavorful pumpkin bars crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that everyone will adore.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g