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Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars combine rich pumpkin puree with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting, capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree Not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Or whole wheat for a hearty touch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Frosting
  1. While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
  2. Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and cut them into squares.

Notes

Feel free to make these pumpkin bars your own by adding chocolate chips or nuts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.