Ingredients:

  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges slightly pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.
  8. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium-high until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  9. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until smooth.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled bars using an offset spatula.