October 6, 2024

Autumn Perfection: Heavenly Pumpkin-Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin-spice bars with cream cheese frosting are the epitome of autumn desserts, offering the warm and cozy flavors of the season. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your pumpkin cravings, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. But beyond their delightful taste, this dessert holds cultural significance and provides nutritional benefits that you may not expect. Let’s dive into the history, popularity, and appeal of this autumn favorite.

History: From Harvest to Holiday Favorite

The use of pumpkin in desserts dates back centuries, particularly in North America, where pumpkins were cultivated by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. Pumpkin pie became a staple in the early American colonies, and over time, the addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—known collectively as “pumpkin spice”—became a popular pairing.

Pumpkin spice itself exploded into mainstream culture in the early 2000s with the advent of pumpkin-spice lattes, but the trend didn’t stop there. Pumpkin-spice flavors now grace everything from baked goods to savory dishes, including our beloved pumpkin-spice bars. While the exact origins of this specific recipe may not be traced to one moment in time, it embodies the nostalgic, comforting flavors many associate with autumn and Thanksgiving.

Popularity: Why Pumpkin-Spice Bars Are a Hit

So why do pumpkin-spice bars continue to enjoy widespread popularity today? Simply put, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, earthy notes of the pumpkin combined with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create a unique flavor profile that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Another reason for their success is versatility. Pumpkin-spice bars can be adapted to different diets and preferences. Whether you prefer them with or without frosting, vegan, or gluten-free, there’s a version of this recipe for everyone. Plus, they are easy to make in large batches, making them perfect for gatherings during the holiday season.

Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful

The ingredients in pumpkin-spice bars are simple and readily available. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pumpkin: The star ingredient, pumpkin provides not only flavor but also moisture, keeping the bars tender. Canned pumpkin works well, but feel free to use fresh puree if you have the time.
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are essential to achieving that iconic “pumpkin spice” flavor. Nutmeg is another common addition.
Sugar and Oil: Sugar adds sweetness, while oil (or butter) provides moisture and a tender crumb.
Eggs: These help bind the bars and give them structure.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy, tangy frosting balances the spiced sweetness of the bars perfectly.

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PUMPKIN-SPICE BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Enjoy the delightful flavors of autumn with these delicious pumpkin-spice bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a breeze to make and yields moist and flavorful bars that are perfect for any dessert occasion.

Course Desserts

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Servings 12

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15 ounces canned pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese softened
¼ cup butter softened
1 tablespoon milk
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

Bars:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 15x10x1-inch pan by coating it with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and canned pumpkin until smooth.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 2 hours.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to beat the softened cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while continuing to mix until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Sprinkle the top with orange zest.
Cut into your desired size of bars.
Cover the bars and refrigerate.

Nutrition: The Benefits of Pumpkin

Though pumpkin-spice bars may be a sweet treat, the key ingredient—pumpkin—packs a nutritional punch. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, and is also a good source of fiber, helping to promote digestive health. The addition of spices like cinnamon and ginger also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making this dessert a slightly healthier indulgence when compared to other sugary treats.

The recipe can be modified to reduce sugar, add more fiber (e.g., by using whole wheat flour), or even made dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese alternatives.

Creative Serving Ideas: Elevate Your Presentation

Pumpkin-spice bars with cream cheese frosting are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these serving suggestions:

Festive Garnishes: Top the bars with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. A dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a touch of decadence.
Pair with Seasonal Beverages: Serve the bars alongside a pumpkin-spice latte or hot apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience. The rich cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these spiced drinks.
Mini Pumpkin-Spice Bar Cups: For parties, you can bake these bars in muffin tins to create individual servings. Top each with a swirl of frosting and a sprinkle of orange zest.
Ice Cream Pairing: For a warm-cool contrast, serve a slice of pumpkin-spice bar with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The richness of the ice cream complements the spiced warmth of the bars.

Chef Tips: Secrets for Perfect Bars Every Time

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures that the batter mixes evenly and the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until incorporated to avoid dense bars.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center of the bars to check for doneness. When it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, they often taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Food Safety: Essential Tips for Safe Baking

When baking, especially with eggs and dairy products like cream cheese, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Store Frosted Bars in the Fridge: Because the cream cheese frosting contains dairy, it’s important to refrigerate the bars if you’re not serving them immediately.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Check the expiration dates on ingredients like eggs, baking powder, and cream cheese to ensure freshness.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: If you’re baking for guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these pumpkin-spice bars with cream cheese frosting are a perfect fall treat. Their rich history, delightful flavor, and nutritional benefits make them a must-bake this season. Serve them at your next holiday gathering or enjoy them with a warm beverage as the leaves start to fall.

Enjoy baking!