Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful seasonal treat that perfectly balances moist, spiced pumpkin flavor with rich, tangy cream cheese topping, then you must try Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars are wonderfully soft and fluffy, filled with warm autumn spices, and topped with a luscious frosting that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert, this recipe captures the very essence of fall and will quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, versatile ingredients is the secret to the magic behind Paul’s Pumpkin Bars. Every component plays an essential role, from the moist pumpkin to the warm spices, creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and aroma.

• 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and add a tender texture to the bars.
• 1 & 2/3 cup white sugar: Provides the ideal level of sweetness, balancing the pumpkin’s earthiness.
• 1/2 cup oil (light olive oil recommended): Keeps the bars moist without weighing them down.
• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps deepen the flavor.
• 1 (15-oz) can pumpkin (not pie filling): The star ingredient, giving beautiful color and that signature pumpkin taste.
• 2 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The base for the batter, ensuring the right structure and crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and stay light.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Adds extra lift and fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This warm spice blend infuses the bars with the essence of fall.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds an extra touch of warmth and depth.
• 1 batch cream cheese frosting: The crowning glory, lending tang and sweetness in perfect harmony with the pumpkin base.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously spray an 11×17 inch pan with nonstick spray, then sprinkle a couple teaspoons of flour in it. Shake the pan so the flour coats the edges and tap out the excess. This simple trick ensures your pumpkin bars will release easily after baking, keeping their beautiful shape intact.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the four large eggs until smooth. This is where the batter begins its transformation into a fluffy, tender delight. Getting the eggs well-beaten will help incorporate air, resulting in light bars.

Step 3: Combine Sugar, Oil, Butter, and Pumpkin

Next, add the sugar, oil, melted salted butter, and canned pumpkin to the eggs. Beat this mixture well for about two minutes until it looks fluffy and well-blended. Make sure you scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to mix everything evenly — this step builds the rich, moist base of your bars.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Now, sprinkle the flour over the wet ingredients but do not stir yet. Simply let it rest briefly; this step allows for even mixing of dry and wet components when you start blending.

Step 5: Mix in the Leavening and Spices

Make a small well in the flour, then add baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon into this space. Use a spoon to gently blend these dry ingredients into the flour, making sure your flavors will be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Blend Everything Together

Turn your mixer on and slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix because that might result in denser bars. Scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom once more to ensure uniform batter consistency.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. This step creates an even layer so the bars bake uniformly and have that perfect flat surface for frosting.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. This baking time is just right to keep them moist but fully cooked through.

Step 9: Cool and Frost

Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. While they cool, prepare your cream cheese frosting. I recommend a frosting with ample powdered sugar to get that smooth, spreadable consistency, but feel free to adjust to your preferred sweetness.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface. For a personal touch and an extra hint of festive flavor, sprinkle Red Hots candies over the top. They add a stunning pop of color and a unique spicy-sweet crunch that complements the creaminess beautifully.

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

Garnishes

While the classic Red Hots topping is fantastic, you can also embellish these bars with chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft pumpkin base. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top can enhance the spice notes without overpowering the frosting’s tang.

Side Dishes

Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shine on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or a warm glass of spiced cider. For a fuller autumn dessert experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into festive shapes with cookie cutters for holiday gatherings or layering them in a trifle with whipped cream and toasted pecans for an unexpected presentation. You can also gently warm slices and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration keeps the bars fresh and safe to eat for up to 5 days. Proper storage will preserve their moist texture and flavors beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and frosting consistency.

Reheating

If you enjoy your bars slightly warm, briefly microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. This softens the bars and frosting gently without melting the cream cheese frosting completely, keeping that luscious creamy experience intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute the oil or butter in Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the light olive oil for vegetable or canola oil, which yield neutral flavors. Butter is essential for the rich taste, but using all oil is possible for a lighter texture, though the flavor may be slightly less rich.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin is pure pumpkin puree without added spices or sugar, unlike pumpkin pie filling which contains seasonings and sweeteners. For authentic flavor and texture, use pure canned pumpkin in this recipe.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

Don’t worry! You can make your own blend with a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. These spices mimic the warm, cozy flavor profile that pumpkin pie spice provides.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for cup-to-cup substitutions to keep the texture just right.

How thick should the cream cheese frosting layer be?

A generous 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer works beautifully, providing balance without overwhelming the pumpkin bars. The thickness can be adjusted to your taste, but too thin might get lost, and too thick can dominate the flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a homemade pumpkin treat fresh from the oven, and Paul’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe deliver that cozy comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just starting your love affair with spiced desserts, these bars are a must-bake. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of fall happiness that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

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