Hey there! Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of irresistible Pumpkin Bars topped with creamy caramel cream cheese icing? These deliciously moist bars are bursting with pumpkin flavor and perfectly spiced, making them an absolute must for your autumn dessert table. Plus, that drizzle of caramel on top? Pure bliss! Let’s dive into this easy and scrumptious recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
  • Butter (softened)
  • White sugar
  • Large eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Pumpkin puree
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Caramel sauce (optional, but totally recommended!)
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Confectioners’ sugar
• For the Sprinkle Topping:
  • Cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper to keep those bars from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (or your electric mixer), cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air and makes your bars super soft!
3. Add Eggs: Crack in those large eggs and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to incorporate everything evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your mixer. Then, fold in the pumpkin puree until you have a smooth batter.
6. Bake: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Cream Cheese Frosting Time!

While the bars are baking, it’s time to whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting.

1. Blend the Cream Cheese and Butter: In your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), blend together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, caramel sauce, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the Sugar: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar. If the frosting gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Frost the Bars: Once your pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Sprinkle Topping (Optional but Delicious!)

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle it over your frosted pumpkin bars for that extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Slice and Serve

Cut those pumpkin bars into squares, and prepare for the compliments to roll in! They’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in with your favorite fall drink. The combination of pumpkin and caramel cream cheese is simply divine!

Enjoy Your Pumpkin Bars!

So there you have it, a fabulous recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a fall favorite. Happy baking, my friend! 🧡🍂

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Frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Bars

Is pure pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?

These two terms are used interchageably to mean the same thing. I would use homemade pure pumpkin puree though. Sometimes canned pumpkin is a mixture of other squashes along with pumpkin and no one knows what else they add to it.

How do I make pumpkin puree from scratch?

Cut a sugar pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until soft. Let the pumpkins cool, then blend them in a food processor until smooth. Every pumpkin isn’t sized the exact same but you can expect to get anywhere from 2-3 cups per pumpkin.

Know your ingredients

Whole Wheat Flour

Whole wheat flour, derived from the entire wheat kernel, is a nutrient-rich option with health benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar regulation. When baking, it’s recommended to blend it with all-purpose flour for better texture or choose recipes designed for whole wheat. Enhance moisture by adding ingredients like yogurt, and allow extra resting time for improved flavor and tenderness in your baked goods.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, a versatile leavening agent, is a staple in baking, contributing to the rise and texture of various recipes. Beyond its role in the kitchen, it may offer health benefits such as aiding digestion and neutralizing acidity. However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to potential health risks, and it’s important to use it judiciously in both culinary and wellness applications.

Baking Powder

Baking powder, unlike baking soda, is a complete leavening agent containing both an acid (usually cream of tartar) and a base. This dual composition allows it to produce carbon dioxide gas and leaven baked goods without the need for additional acidic ingredients in the recipe. While baking soda requires an acid to activate its leavening properties, baking powder is a self-contained leavening agent, making it a convenient choice for recipes without acidic components.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree, a smooth and velvety blend of cooked and mashed pumpkin, is a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. In baking, it adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich, earthy flavor to recipes like pies, muffins, and bars. Beyond the kitchen, pumpkin puree is a nutrient-packed choice, boasting vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to a variety of culinary creations.