Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. First up, get that oven warmed to a comfy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Find a solid 13-by-9-inch baking pan and give it a nice spray with some baking spray that has flour in it, ensuring nothing gets stuck later on.
2. In a decent-sized mixing bowl, toss together 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk everything until it’s all beautifully smooth.
3. Now, grab another bowl and combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Give it a good whisk to blend it all nicely together.
4. Next, gently fold those dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir just enough to bring everything together, then pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.
5. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After it’s baked, let those bars cool completely while still in the pan.
6. While the bars cool down, make some frosting by beating 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it’s nice and smooth. After that, mix in 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice until everything is creamy and well combined.
7. Slowly mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar to that creamy mixture, keeping the mixer on low speed until it’s all incorporated. Then, crank it up to medium-high and beat until fluffy, which should take about 1 minute.
8. Once those bars are cooled, spread that delightful spiced cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Cut them into squares and serve. If there happen to be any leftovers, be sure to store them in the fridge since the frosting gets a bit too soft at room temperature.

Tips

• The bars can be made a day in advance; just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
• For storage, place bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
• If you’re looking to freeze the treats, slice them into individual bars, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.