Pumpkin Spice Bar
Moist and warmly spiced, these pumpkin spice bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert for any cozy fall gathering.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk and hand mixer (or stand mixer)
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for slicing)
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter for a richer taste
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup mini chocolate or white chocolate chips Optional Add-ins
- 8 oz cream cheese softened (full-fat block style only)
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or maple extract for flavor variation
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined — do not overmix. If using nuts or chips, fold them in gently now.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bars should be golden and slightly springy.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting. (Don’t frost warm bars!)
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until very smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in vanilla (and cinnamon or maple extract if using).
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars using an offset spatula. Add sprinkles, nuts, or festive decorations on top if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set. Cut into squares and serve!
