Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting: Irresistible Fall Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through the kitchen. As a child, I remember my grandmother baking her famous pumpkin bars during the fall. The anticipation of biting into those Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting always filled me with excitement. The recipe, simple yet exquisite, evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia that I aim to recreate and share through GrandMmaDelights.

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting have become a staple in my kitchen, especially when the leaves start to turn. The rich, moist texture of the pumpkin bars, combined with the creamy sweetness of the frosting, creates a delightful treat that brings people together. Each bite is a reminder of those cherished moments spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen.

At GrandMmaDelights, I strive to craft recipes that are as comforting as they are easy to make, and these bars fit the bill perfectly. The Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors and traditions. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe, bringing the joy of home baking to your table.

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

---

• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect fall treat with our recipe for old fashioned pumpkin bars with creamy cream cheese frosting. Learn how to make them today!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 eggs, at room temperature (4 eggs, at room temperature)
• 1 1/3 cups sugar (270g sugar)
• 3/4 cup butter, melted (170g butter)
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree (425g pumpkin puree)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g flour)
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick or 113g butter)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g cream cheese)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla
• 1–2 teaspoons (8 ml) milk
• 4 1/4 cups powdered sugar (530g powdered sugar)

---

Instructions

1. Using a hand mixer, blend together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
2. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the pumpkin blend, stirring until everything is well combined.
3. Transfer the batter into a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended for easier removal, although greasing is not necessary.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are set. Allow them to cool completely.
5. Once cooled, cover the bars with the cream cheese frosting as described below.
6. In a medium bowl, use a mixer to combine the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, incorporating about a cup at a time, and mix until fully blended. Add the vanilla extract between additions of sugar.
8. If the frosting becomes too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. Adjust the sugar and milk as needed for easy spreading.

Notes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 4g

Keywords: american, dessert, homemade

Creating Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Fundamentals

The foundation of these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, room-temperature eggs ensures a light and fluffy texture. The combination of pumpkin puree and spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon brings depth and warmth to the bars. It’s essential to measure the ingredients accurately to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.

Preparation/setup

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting come out effortlessly. Mixing the wet ingredients first, such as eggs, sugar, melted butter, and pumpkin puree, creates a smooth base. Gradually incorporating the dry ingredients ensures a lump-free batter, ready for baking.

Mastering the Pumpkin Bar Technique

Technique

Perfecting the technique of making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting involves understanding the mixing process. Using a hand mixer allows for a consistent blend, ensuring the pumpkin and spices are evenly distributed. The key is to mix until just combined, avoiding over-mixing, which can result in dense bars. Baking the mixture until set provides a firm yet moist texture that holds up well under the frosting.

Tips/tricks

To achieve the best results, always use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains additional spices and sweeteners that can alter the taste. For extra moistness, you can add a touch of milk to the batter. If you’re interested in exploring more cream cheese frosting options, check out the cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls that pairs beautifully with these bars.

Perfecting and Troubleshooting Your Pumpkin Bars

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from melting. The cream cheese frosting should be smooth and spreadable, complementing the soft texture of the bars. For a flawless finish, spread the frosting evenly, using a spatula to create a clean, professional look.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your bars turn out too dense, it might be due to over-mixing or incorrect measurements. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise. For those seeking a twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts for added texture. For more inspiration, explore our applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a delightful variation.

Serving and Storing Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

Serving/presentation

Presenting your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting can be as simple or as elegant as you wish. For a casual gathering, slice them into squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. For a more formal presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts. These bars are perfect for any occasion, embodying both simplicity and sophistication.

Pairings/storage

These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a great addition to any brunch or afternoon tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can also be frozen for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes. For more ideas, visit our soft and fluffy cinnamon walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting for another delectable treat.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting are a testament to the comfort and joy that simple, well-crafted recipes can bring. By focusing on quality ingredients and careful technique, you can create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern. These bars, with their rich flavors and creamy frosting, are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making every occasion special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your collection.

FAQs – Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting