Pumpkin Bars Brown Sugar Frosting (Printable format)

Moist pumpkin bars with spiced flavors and a creamy brown sugar topping, ideal for cozy fall moments.

# List of ingredients:

→ 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 - 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream

# How to make it:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Cozy fall flavor
  • Perfect for any gathering
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 -
  • For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the frosted bars.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
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