Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that balances rich autumn flavors with a soft, moist texture, look no further than Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This delightful treat combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a luscious cream cheese frosting that sings with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these pumpkin bars deliver that cozy, nostalgic feeling in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of moistness, spice, and sweetness. From the eggs that add structure to the pumpkin that brings vibrant color and earthy flavor, this list is simple yet thoughtfully chosen.

• 4 large eggs: They provide stability and help bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• 1 & 2/3 cup white sugar: Balances the pumpkin’s earthiness with a sweet touch and aids in moisture retention.
• 1/2 cup oil (light olive oil recommended): Keeps the bars tender and moist without overpowering the flavor.
• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Adds a rich, buttery depth and enhances the overall texture.
• 1 (15-oz) can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling): The star of the show, delivering flavor, moisture, and that beautiful orange color.
• 2 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The structural base that keeps the bars soft yet sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy without making them cakey.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to achieve the perfect texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove brings warm, cozy notes.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of fragrant spice that complements the pumpkin pie spice.
• 1 batch cream cheese frosting: The creamy, tangy topping that makes these bars unforgettable.

How to Make Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab an 11×17 inch pan and spray it generously with nonstick spray. Then, sprinkle a couple teaspoons of flour over the pan and gently shake it around so it coats the edges. Tap out the excess into the sink. This simple trick ensures your pumpkin bars come out cleanly without sticking—making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the 4 large eggs until smooth. This starts the batter off with a creamy base that will help combine all the ingredients flawlessly.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Oil, Butter, and Pumpkin

To your beaten eggs, add the sugar, light olive oil, melted butter, and canned pumpkin. Beat everything together for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Now add the flour to the bowl—just pour it in but do not stir yet. This step preps the dry ingredients for even distribution without overmixing too soon.

Step 5: Combine Baking Soda, Powder, Salt, and Spices

Make a small well in the flour mixture and add the baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Use a small spoon to gently blend these dry ingredients into the flour for an even flavor and texture in your bars.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

Switch on your mixer and carefully beat the flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again and beat well so every bit is thoroughly combined. The batter should be smooth, thick, and perfectly spiced.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top for an even bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean without any wet batter clinging to it.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool entirely in the pan. This resting period is important for the bars to set, so the cream cheese frosting can spread beautifully without melting.

Step 9: Add the Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare the cream cheese frosting; you can follow my special batch here, using about 4 cups of powdered sugar for a sweet yet tangy balance. When the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread that luscious frosting all over the top, smoothing it toward the edges for a polished finish.

Step 10: Optional Topping

For a fun and festive twist, sprinkle Red Hots (also known as Imperials) over the frosting while it’s still soft. This adds a pop of color and a hint of cinnamon spice that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors.

How to Serve Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts will give your bars a pleasant crunch and toasted nuttiness that complements the sweet cream cheese frosting perfectly. You can also dust a light pinch of cinnamon over the top to enhance those cozy spice notes.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars are a stand-alone star but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Their moist texture and spiced sweetness make them a comforting choice alongside warm beverages or creamy cold treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut them into squares or rectangles and serve on a rustic wooden board for a charming fall gathering. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a small pumpkin decoration for a festive touch. You can also layer mini pumpkin bars with whipped cream and cinnamon for a quick, no-bake trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Chilling the bars helps preserve the cream cheese frosting’s texture and keeps everything fresh.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the bars, either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Because these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled with the frosting intact, avoid reheating unless you remove the frosting first. If you prefer a warm treat, reheat an unfrosted bar for about 15 seconds in the microwave and then add frosting after warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! But make sure you cook and puree the fresh pumpkin first until smooth and drained of excess moisture for the best results in texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure your baking soda and powder are gluten-free as well.

How do I make the cream cheese frosting tangier?

Use less powdered sugar or add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to the frosting. This will balance the sweetness and enhance the tangy flavor of the cream cheese.

Can I make Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! The bars can be baked a day or two ahead and frosted just before serving, or fully assembled and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

What if I don’t have Red Hots for topping?

No worries! You can skip the Red Hots or replace them with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. The perfect balance of spice, moisture, and creamy sweetness is sure to become your new favorite seasonal dessert. Don’t wait for a special occasion—go ahead and try this recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!

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