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Pumpkin Pie Bars

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin pie bars have a tender, buttery crumb crust, a warmly spiced pumpkin layer, and a thick swirl of cream cheese frosting. They bake in a single 13×9 pan and slice into easy, shareable squares for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer
  • 1 Metal 9x13 pan Glass optional

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 2 ¼ cups cake flour 260g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 212g
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • ¼ cup dry milk powder 36g
  • 1 stick butter partially melted
  • 1 large egg

Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar 212g
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil avocado or vegetable
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 127g
  • 1 can 15 oz 100% pure pumpkin
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 8 oz brick-style cream cheese softened (226g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 250g

Instructions
 

Prep

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside.

Crust

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dry milk powder until evenly combined.
  • Add the partially melted butter and egg. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute, just until the mixture forms soft, clumping crumbs. It should look like damp sand that holds together when pressed.
  • Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup, press the crust very firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure it reaches all edges.

Batter

  • Whisk all batter ingredients on medium-low speed until just combined.
  • Spread the batter evenly over the crust.
  • Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the batter is set.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
  • Mix in the vanilla and salt.
  • On low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar until combined.
  • Spread over the cooled bars. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Cut into preferred sized bars and serve cold for best texture.
Keyword Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Pumpkin Pie