Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Bar Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10×15-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Libby’s pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Step 2: Bake the Pumpkin Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the pumpkin bars cool completely on a wire rack. This can take about an hour.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Frost the Pumpkin Bars
- Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
- For a decorative finish, dust lightly with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
- Cut into squares or bars and serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes+ Cool time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g