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Super Moist Classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Super Moist Classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic, large-batch pumpkin bar recipe featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin base topped with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings and fall potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 48 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 209

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Bars
  • 15 ounces Libby's Canned Pumpkin Purée Not pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1.5 cups White Sugar
  • 1 cup Butter softened
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 5 cups Confectioners' Sugar
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup Butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12"x17" half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the sides with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then blend in the pumpkin purée until combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  5. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add more sugar.
  6. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure bars are completely cool before applying frosting to prevent melting.