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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 109 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting and optional caramel drizzle. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, these bars provide a cozy seasonal treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1½ cups white sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cup pumpkin puree

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce (optional)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Sprinkle Topping

  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In an electric mixer or large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1½ cups of white sugar until well combined and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs: Add 4 large eggs to the creamed mixture and mix well. The batter may appear a bit lumpy at this stage; this is normal.
  4. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, and 2 tsp baking powder to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the mixer, blending carefully to avoid overmixing.
  6. Add Pumpkin Puree: Gently blend in 2 cups of pumpkin puree into the batter until fully incorporated.
  7. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer or large bowl using a hand mixer, blend together 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup caramel sauce (if using), and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar to the frosting mixture, blending well. Adjust the consistency by adding 1 tablespoon of milk at a time if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  10. Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Sprinkle with a mix of 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tsp light brown sugar for an added touch of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added spices and sweetness that can affect the flavor and texture.
  • For neat, clean slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep edges clean.
  • If whole wheat flour is unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour for the entire amount, resulting in lighter but still moist bars.
  • Cinnamon is the signature spice here, but feel free to add nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth if desired.
  • If you prefer, omit the caramel sauce for a classic cream cheese frosting, or try a maple glaze or powdered sugar dusting as alternatives.
  • Store frosted bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh.
  • You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and frost right before serving to maintain the frosting’s texture and freshness.

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, caramel, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, spiced pumpkin bars

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-caramel-recipe/