Easy Pumpkin Bars

Fall is here, and it's time to celebrate with all the pumpkin goodness! If you're craving something warm, spiced, and perfect for sharing, these pumpkin bars are just what you need. They're soft, moist, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a cozy treat, these pumpkin bars are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

For the pumpkin bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bars light and fluffy!

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the bars: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This helps the frosting stay nice and smooth instead of melting into the warm bars.

7. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.

8. Frost and serve: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• You can make the frosting a day ahead to save time!

These pumpkin bars are a fall favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. They’re soft, flavorful, and topped with the perfect amount of creamy frosting. Make them for your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee! Enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite! 🎃🍂