Description
These Frosted Pumpkin Bars are a delicious fall treat perfect for serving a crowd. Moist and flavorful pumpkin cake is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and decorated with festive fall-themed sprinkles and mini pumpkin candies, making them a seasonal favorite for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin purée
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups white sugar
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp salt
For the Frosting
- 10 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Ground cinnamon
- Fall-colored sprinkles
- Mini pumpkin candies
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large sheet pan or two 9×13 inch pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the pumpkin purée thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, pure vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a light dusting of ground cinnamon, fall-colored sprinkles, and mini pumpkin candies to add festive decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best flavor and texture.
- For easier cutting and serving, chill the bars after frosting for about 30 minutes.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
