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Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Perfect pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are great for hungry kids after school, Halloween parties, tailgates, and game day get-togethers. They’re the perfect fall treat!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 265kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 30

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl - To mix dry ingredients.
  • Whisk - For blending ingredients together.
  • Spatula - For folding dry ingredients into the wet mixture and spreading the batter.
  • Toothpick - To test if the bars are done baking.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pie filling, I like Libby's
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup vegetable oil*
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces brick style cream cheese
  • ½ cup salted butter at room temperature (1 stick)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spray and flour a half sheet pan to prepare it.
    Spray and flour a half sheet pan to prepare it
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar.
    In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.
    In a medium bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no dry flour remains. Don’t overmix.
    Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no dry flour remains
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly
  • Bake for about 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
    Bake for about 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean
  • Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack until it’s almost completely cool.
    Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack until it’s almost completely cool
  • To make the frosting, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. (You can also use a stand mixer or electric beaters.)
    To make the frosting, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth
  • Spread the frosting evenly.
    Spread the frosting evenly
  • Frost the cooled bars and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg