Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Name: Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Prep time: 130 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: Ingredients:; Nonstick baking spray (for greasing the baking pan); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups confectioners sugar (sifted); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Previous

Next

Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Who doesn’t love the warm and cozy flavors of fall? And what better way to indulge in those flavors than with spiced pumpkin bars topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese icing? These delicious treats are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, making them a crowd-pleaser for any autumn gathering. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of spiced pumpkin bars!

The Magic of Spiced Pumpkin Bars

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft and moist pumpkin bar, bursting with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The warm spices instantly transport you to a cozy fireside, while the creamy pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness. It’s like autumn in every bite!

But what sets these spiced pumpkin bars apart is the delightful cream cheese icing that crowns each bar. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the warm spices, creating a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist.

Baking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Creating the perfect batch of spiced pumpkin bars requires a little finesse. Here are a few tips to ensure your bars turn out moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious:

Use real pumpkin: While canned pumpkin puree is convenient, using freshly roasted pumpkin adds an extra layer of flavor.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bars. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste buds. Add more cinnamon for an extra kick or tone down the cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.

Cream Cheese Icing: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No spiced pumpkin bar is complete without a generous dollop of cream cheese icing. The smooth and creamy texture of the icing adds a luscious contrast to the softness of the bars. It’s the ultimate sweet and tangy combination that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sprinkle some chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top for an added crunch and visual appeal. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

In conclusion, spiced pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing are a delectable autumn treat that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings for fall flavors. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these bars?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin without any added sugar or spices.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese icing with something else?

While cream cheese icing is the traditional choice for spiced pumpkin bars, you can get creative and try other frostings like maple or brown butter frosting for a unique twist.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy days. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

4. How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars can stay fresh for up to 5 days. But let’s be honest, they’re usually devoured within a day or two!

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Of course! Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in dessert heaven. Feel free to fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for an extra indulgent treat.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Just make sure to check the packaging for any additional instructions.

7. Can I use a different type of icing sugar?

Yes, you can use either powdered sugar or confectioners’ sugar interchangeably for the cream cheese icing. Both will yield a smooth and creamy texture.

8. Can I add a touch of citrus to the cream cheese icing?

Definitely! A little zest of lemon or orange can add a refreshing twist to the cream cheese icing. Just be mindful not to overpower the pumpkin and spice flavors.

Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Prep2 hr 10 min

Total2 hr 10 min

Servings24

Ingredients:
Nonstick baking spray (, for greasing the baking pan)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
8 ounces cream cheese (, softened)
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (, softened)
2 cups confectioners sugar (, sifted)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

To make the bars, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an inch of overhang on the sides.
Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl, whisking until well mixed. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, eggs, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl using a handheld mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until well combined and smooth. Spread the icing evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
Finally, cut the cake into twenty-four 2-inch squares and serve.

Cheese, Cream Cheese Recipes, dessert, fall, Holiday, Pumpkin, Thanksgiving, Vegetable