Welcome to the cozy world of Wholesome Pumpkin Spice Bars! These moist and flavorful bars are your new autumn treat, perfect for the cooling days and the changing leaves. Infused with classic fall spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
The foundation of our recipe, all-purpose flour, gives structure to the bars, ensuring they hold together but stay tender. The granulated sugar sweetens the bars just right without overpowering the pumpkin flavor. Using both baking powder and baking soda ensures a nice rise and a fluffy texture. For that warm, autumnal essence, we incorporate ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, which perfectly complement the pumpkin puree. This puree not only flavors the bars but also adds moisture, keeping them soft. Vegetable oil contributes to the moist crumb, while eggs bind everything together. The touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors nicely. For the frosting, cream cheese and unsalted butter create a smooth, creamy topping that pairs delightfully with the spice bars, and powdered sugar adds sweetness without graininess.
These bars shine on their own, but for a truly special treat, serve them slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. If you're feeling adventurous, pair with a spiced chai or a warm apple cider to enhance the cozy autumn flavors.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once the batter is mixed. Next, generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking, making them easier to remove later.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is crucial for distributing the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter.
In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth to ensure the flavors meld well and the texture is consistent.
Now, gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use a toothpick to test for doneness—if it comes out clean, they're ready! Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
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