Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars (Printable Version)
Moist bars with pumpkin and warm spices, topped by creamy frosting—perfect for cozy gatherings.
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
240 grams all-purpose flour
02 -
5 grams baking powder
03 -
4 grams baking soda
04 -
5 grams ground cinnamon
05 -
1 gram ground nutmeg
06 -
2 grams ground ginger
07 -
0.5 grams ground cloves
08 -
2 grams fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
09 -
150 grams granulated sugar
10 -
110 grams brown sugar, packed
11 -
120 milliliters neutral vegetable oil
12 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
13 -
5 milliliters pure vanilla extract
14 -
215 grams pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
15 -
225 grams block-style cream cheese, softened
16 -
115 grams unsalted butter, softened
17 -
160 grams powdered sugar, sifted
18 -
5 milliliters pure vanilla extract
19 -
15 milliliters heavy cream, adjust as needed
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a 23x33 cm baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 -
In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until the batter is velvety.
04 -
Stir in vanilla extract, then fold in pumpkin puree until well blended with the wet mixture.
05 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until the batter is smooth with no visible flour. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
06 -
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when gently pressed.
07 -
Place the pan on a wire rack and allow bars to cool to room temperature before frosting to prevent melting.
08 -
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy. Add heavy cream teaspoon by teaspoon until desired consistency is achieved.
09 -
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve promptly.
# Notes:
01 -
Bars remain moist for several days and the spices intensify with time, enhancing flavor.
02 -
Freshly grated nutmeg adds complexity and freshness to the spice profile.
03 -
Use parchment-lined baking pans for easier removal and cleaner slicing.