Print

Wholesome Pumpkin Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

wholesome pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting - featured image
Print Recipe

These wholesome pumpkin bars are dense yet tender, made with whole wheat pastry flour and perfectly spiced, then topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until evenly distributed.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar until combined. Add the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Bake on the middle rack for 22-26 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment handles and cool completely.
  7. While the bars cool, make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add the vanilla and salt, then beat on medium-high for another minute until light and fluffy.
  8. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 12-16 squares.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. If your pumpkin puree is watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes. Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe clean between cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, whole wheat, wholesome, pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/wholesome-pumpkin-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/