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Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

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Indulge in the nostalgia of fall with these Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for cozy gatherings. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg blend harmoniously with rich pumpkin, creating a dessert that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Every bite is a reminder of family traditions and autumn celebrations, making these bars a must-have for your seasonal baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pure)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Gradually sift in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; fold gently until combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow to cool completely before frosting with the cream cheese mixture (beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth).
  7. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added flavor variations, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. - A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting can enhance the taste profile.