Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare for baking: Heat the oven to 350°F and mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, sea salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture and stir gently until completely combined, taking care not to over-mix the batter.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in a uniform layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, stirring until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!
Notes
- Do not over-mix batter to keep bars tender and moist.
- You can use avocado oil as a healthy substitute for vegetable oil.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to achieve desired sweetness and thickness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
