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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 2 votes
These pumpkin bars are soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible. A cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is a keeper.
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Ingredients
  

  • CAKE
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 - 15 oz canned pumpkin or 2 scant cups homegrown pureed
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup neutral flavored oil I use melted lard
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground clove
  • FROSTING
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Whisk eggs, pumpkin, sugar, oil (melted lard), and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
  2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix until smooth.
  3. Spread cake batter into an ungreased half sheet pan (jelly roll pan).
  4. Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Be sure to check starting at the 18 minute mark.
  5. Cool completely on baking rack.
  6. To make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each cup. Beat until all sugar is combined and frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Spread evenly over the cake. Enjoy!