Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
These pumpkin cream cheese bars are a delightful fall treat, boasting a moist pumpkin base and a tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure baking success, resulting in a decadent and irresistible dessert.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
- Sifter (optional)
- Knife
- cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the pumpkin puree and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Avoid overbaking the bars to maintain a moist texture. Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are properly softened for easy mixing. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For a variation, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter. Chilling the frosted bars before serving allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious experience.