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4.50 from 2 votes

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's something magical about fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than by whipping up a batch of heavenly pumpkin bars with brown sugar cream cheese frosting? These bars are like a slice of fall itself, combining the warm, spiced goodness of pumpkin with the rich, lusciousness of cream cheese. Grab your apron and get ready to make a dessert that'll become an favorite for sure!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brown sugar, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, pumpkin dessert
Servings: 9

Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour can also sub GF all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or melted & cooled butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 4 tbsp cream cheese softened
  • 4 tsbp unsalted butter softened
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar light or dark
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk (optional)

Instructions

For the Bars:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the oil-sugar mixture, and blend until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the pumpkin bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before adding the cream cheese frosting.

For the Frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth. Add the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, sea salt and then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is well blended.
  • If it feels too thick, you can add 1-2 tbsp of milk or cream. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 9 squares and enjoy!!

Notes

For Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.