Description
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Yield: 16 bars
INGREDIENTS:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
For the Warm Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
2–3 tablespoons warm milk (to thin to glaze consistency)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into all corners.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. While the bars cool, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Add warm milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick but pourable glaze consistency.
8. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a decadent dessert with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive brunch, pair them with coffee or spiced chai tea. They also make perfect individually wrapped treats for bake sales, lunchboxes, or autumn picnics.
How-to Summary
Mix dry ingredients. Separately, mix wet ingredients (sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin). Combine wet and dry mixtures. Spread batter in a prepared 10×15-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely. For the glaze, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin spice, thinning with warm milk. Drizzle over cooled bars and slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned? Absolutely. Ensure your homemade puree is thick and well-drained (similar to the canned consistency) to avoid soggy bars.
How should I store these pumpkin bars? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese glaze. They can also be frozen (unglazed is best) for up to 3 months.
Can I make these bars nut-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. Always check your specific ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if allergies are a severe concern.
My bars are too cakey. What happened? This is likely due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to ensure a dense, bar-like texture.
Can I double this recipe? Doubling is not recommended for a standard home oven, as it will not bake evenly. For a larger batch, make two separate pans and bake them on the middle rack, one at a time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Not properly preparing the pan: Greasing and flouring (or using parchment) is crucial to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
- Adding glaze to warm bars: The glaze will melt and soak in if the bars are not completely cool, making them messy and overly sweet.
- Overbaking: Check a few minutes before the timer ends. Overbaked bars will be dry.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Bars with Warm Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate taste of autumn. Perfectly spiced, wonderfully moist, and topped with a luscious glaze, they are surprisingly simple to make. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’re guaranteed a crowd-pleasing treat that captures the cozy essence of the season in every bite.