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The Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (Easy Sheet Pan Recipe)

Close-up of a moist, orange pumpkin bar topped with thick cream cheese frosting.
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You need this recipe for moist pumpkin bars topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy sheet pan dessert captures all the best fall flavors and is perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the tangy cream cheese topping evenly over the top.
  11. Cut into squares and serve. You can make these ahead of time for easy serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are fully softened to room temperature.
  • If you want a stronger spice flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
  • These pumpkin bars freeze well; frost them after they have completely thawed for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/