Description
Indulge in the ultimate autumn treat with these dense, moist pumpkin bars. Expertly spiced with a blend of cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg, they are perfectly balanced by a rich, velvety cream cheese topping. Designed for perfection in a 10×15 inch pan, these bars offer a consistent, professional-quality texture that remains moist for days, making them the ideal centerpiece for any holiday party, potluck, or festive family gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed
0.25 cup granulated white sugar
0.25 cup room temperature whole milk
15 ounces pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
0.66 cup neutral vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Spread the batter uniformly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin base and slice into 20 bars.
Notes
Ensure all cold ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a perfect emulsion. If you prefer, you can substitute the allspice with ground cloves. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though they are best served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg