Pumpkin Squares With Cream Cheese Frosting

Today, I'm excited to share my effortless recipe for pumpkin squares. They are topped with cream cheese frosting and have an excellent spiced pumpkin taste, rich flavor and perfect texture!

Pumpkin Squares With Cream Cheese Frosting

My pumpkin bars are so easy to make! Ready in just 35 minutes. I love these pumpkin squares so much, and I can't get enough of them! They are my go-to fall dessert.

I am a big pumpkin fan; I mean, I can make Pumpkin Pancake  for breakfast and then Pumpkin Cupcakes for snacks on the same day, along with Pumpkin Scones or Pumpkin Bread.

Yesterday, I have just made Pumpkin Custard Pie, and It was so good. At this time of year, I become a little bit obsessed with pumpkins!

This pumpkin squares with cream cheese frosting recipe turned out amazing as well! I used store-bought pumpkin puree because it usually has a thicker consistency than homemade.

I also, added all the warm spices I like, from ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg, which give a delicious flavor to the pumpkin squares.

You may replace these spices with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spices if you like. I didn't have it on hand, so I decided to use those spices instead.

I also, loved the thick, tangy and super creamy layer of cream cheese frosting on top; It really elevates these bars to the next level.

Why We Love This Recipe

• The ingredients are easy to find without the fear of being pricey.
• Easy to make! Only take 35 minutes to be ready.
• Topped with delicious cream cheese frosting! Should I say more?
• Pumpkin bars would surely become our children's all-time favorite snack!
• Soft, fluffy and loaded with pumpkin puree.
• They are simple and delicious snacks.

What's in This Pumpkin Bars Recipe?

• Pumpkin Puree. I used canned pumpkin puree in making this recipe; however, feel free to use homemade pumpkin puree if you like.
• Spices. I love to add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. These spices are warm and aromatic and really give your pumpkin bars a woody, rich flavor.
• Butter. It gives the Pumpkin Squares an excellent buttery taste and soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil. I used vegetable oil; you may use sunflower instead if that's what you have on hand.
• Granulated Sugar. To sweeten the pumpkin bars, I only used ½ cup white sugar.
• Light Brown Sugar. I also add brown sugar because it helps make the pumpkin bars soft and moist.
• Eggs. I used 2 large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract. For extra flavor.

For The Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese. I used Philadelphia cream cheese.
• Powdered Sugar. The finer granules make powdered sugar ideal for preparing the cream cheese frosting because it will dissolve fast.

“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”

Variations

• Top your bars with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or candy pumpkins.
• You can replace the cream cheese frosting with just whipped cream.

How to Make Pumpkin Squares With Cream Cheese Frosting?

Before starting, preheat oven to 350F / 180C and grease a 20x30 cm baking sheet with butter or line with parchment pepper.

One: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and ginger. 

Two: In a small bowl, microwave the butter until melted (about 20-30 seconds)and let it cool slightly.

Three: In a separate mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, pour the butter and oil over the mixture and whisk until well combined.

Four: Now, fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, stir until combined.

Five: Spread the batter evenly into the baking sheet.

Six: Bake for 20-25 minutes, let cool completely.

Prepare The Cream Cheese Frosting:

Seven: In a large mixing bowl, whisk butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract well until combined.

Eight: Spread the frosting over the pumpkin cake. Cut into squares and scatter some cinnamon on top.

Top Tips!

• Avoid over-mixing the batter. It will result in a denser and tougher pumpkin bar.
• Measure your flour correctly, or your Pumpkin Bars will be a complete disaster.

Topping for Pumpkin Squares

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• Sprinkle with ground nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Top with buttercream.
• Spread your favorite jam on top.

Serving Suggestion

You may have your pumpkin bars at breakfast, snack, or even dessert. There are no restrictions at all!

I like to pair my pumpkin bars with a Greek Yogurt Smoothie in the morning and Thyme Tea during snack time.

Your kids will surely love them with a cup of Oat Milk Hot Chocolate or Strawberry Milk Tea (Boba).

Storage

To store: When stored in the refrigerator, these bars will last for three days. I recommend that you keep them refrigerated and not leave them out for more than two hours due to the dairy in the frosting.

Freezing: You can freeze pumpkin bars. But for optimal results, do so before frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze; thaw overnight and cover with cream cheese icing.

More Pumpkin Recipes

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Don't forget to share with me your thoughts and pumpkin bars stories!