Libby's Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Libby's Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect dessert for the fall season. The rich and spiced pumpkin flavor in the moist bars pairs wonderfully with the smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars are easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting treat for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. With their delicious balance of sweetness and spice, they are sure to become a fall favorite!

INGREDIENTS

• Libby’s Pumpkin Puree: 15 oz can, for a rich pumpkin flavor in the bars.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, to form the base of the pumpkin bars.
• White Sugar: 1 ½ cups, for sweetness in the bars.
• Butter (softened): 1 cup, to create a moist, tender texture in the bars.
• Large Eggs: 4, to provide structure and richness to the bars.
• Baking Soda: 1 tsp, to help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Powder: 2 tsp, to assist in the leavening of the bars.
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 tsp, for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 tsp, to enhance the autumnal flavor of the pumpkin.
• Salt: ½ tsp, to balance the sweetness of the bars.
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• Confectioners' Sugar: 5 cups, for a smooth and sweet frosting.
• Cream Cheese (softened): 8 oz, to create a creamy and tangy frosting.
• Butter (softened): ¼ cup, to enhance the smoothness and texture of the frosting.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the frosting.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12"x17" baking pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with cooking spray.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until smooth. Add eggs and mix well.

Step 3:

Sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Step 4:

Stir in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6:

While the bars bake, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixer, blend together softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 7:

Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. If frosting is too thick, add 1 tbsp milk at a time.

Step 8:

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 9:

Slice and serve! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt off.
• Serve with a cup of warm cider or tea for the ultimate fall treat.

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter in the frosting.
• If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense, aromatic flavor in baked goods.

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