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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft and moist pumpkin bars are packed with warm fall spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They're easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and a delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pumpkin Bars:
  • * 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • * 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • * 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • * 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • * ½ teaspoon salt
  • * 4 large eggs
  • * 1 cup granulated sugar
  • * 1 cup light brown sugar
  • * 1 cup vegetable oil
  • * 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • * 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • * ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • * 3 cups powdered sugar
  • * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  11. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

* Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
* For extra flavor, sprinkle the frosted bars with a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
* For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.