Description
These easy and moist pumpkin bars are filled with warm fall spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat, Paul's Pumpkin Bars combine the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 ⅔ cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all cake and frosting ingredients to ensure you have everything ready before starting.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Make Cake Batter: Using an electric mixer, beat the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs together in a large bowl until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated and consistent.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 10x15-inch jelly roll pan for a thinner bar. Optionally, use a 9x13-inch pan for thicker bars, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add sifted confectioners' sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into 24 squares and serve. Optionally, garnish with chopped pecans or sprinkles for added texture and festive look.
Notes
- For thicker pumpkin bars, bake in a 9x13-inch pan and increase baking time to 30-35 minutes.
- Add chopped pecans or holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting for extra flavor and decoration.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American