Pumpkin Bars Brown Sugar Frosting (Printable Version)

Moist, spiced pumpkin bars finished with a creamy brown sugar frosting for a cozy treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pumpkin Bars

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
11 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

→ Brown Sugar Frosting

12 - 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
04 - Add pumpkin puree to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
05 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
10 - Gradually mix in powdered sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and incorporated.
11 - Stir in vanilla extract.
12 - Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
13 - Spread the prepared frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Moist warmly spiced bars
  • Decadent brown sugar cream cheese frosting
02 -
  • Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing
  • Chill frosting slightly before spreading for a smoother finish
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