Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! This easy-to-make dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creamy richness of tangy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Fall-Flavored Dessert
- Perfect for Fall . These pumpkin bars are the epitome of fall flavors, featuring a soft, moist texture filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Easy to Make . With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Creamy Frosting . The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of tangy sweetness, complementing the rich pumpkin base.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just craving something sweet and seasonal, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, so you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time in the kitchen.
What Do Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Taste Like?
The combination of the moist, spiced pumpkin bars and the creamy, tangy frosting creates a balanced and satisfying treat. The bars are sweet but not overly so, and the frosting adds just the right amount of richness.
Together, they offer a perfect blend of flavors that evoke the essence of fall, making them a favorite dessert or snack for the season.
What’s The Difference Between Pumpkin Bars And Pumpkin Cake?
Pumpkin bars and pumpkin cake might seem similar, but there are some key differences that set them apart:
Texture: Pumpkin bars are typically denser and more compact, making them easy to slice into squares. Pumpkin cake, on the other hand, is lighter and fluffier, often baked in a round or square cake pan.
Serving Style: Pumpkin bars are often served as handheld treats, perfect for potlucks or parties. Pumpkin cake is more likely to be served as a dessert, cut into slices and eaten with a fork.
Frosting: Both can be topped with cream cheese frosting, but pumpkin bars tend to have a thicker layer of frosting, enhancing the richness of each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For The Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin Puree - The star of the show, providing moisture and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour - The base that gives the bars structure.
- Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness to balance the spices.
- Brown Sugar - Provides a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil - Keeps the bars moist and tender.
- Eggs - Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract - Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
- Baking Powder - Helps the bars rise, giving them a light texture.
- Baking Soda - Works with the baking powder to ensure even rising.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves - The classic spices that bring warmth and depth to the bars.
- Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese - The base for the frosting, providing a tangy and rich flavor.
- Butter - Adds creaminess and helps the frosting spread smoothly.
- Powdered Sugar - Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
- Vanilla Extract - Complements the tangy cream cheese with a hint of sweetness.
How To Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preheat Your Oven . Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients . In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Pumpkin Bars . Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting . While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Pumpkin Bars . Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience, and with these tips and tricks, you’ll achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Flavor Boost . While canned pumpkin works well, using homemade pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and texture of your bars. Roast or steam fresh pumpkin, then blend it until smooth.
- Custom Spice Blend. While pumpkin pie spice is convenient, you can create your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a more personalized flavor.
- Check Early . Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.
Variations
Adding a twist to your classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can make them even more special. Here are some variations to try:
- Pecans or Walnuts - Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for extra crunch.
- Gingerbread- Add molasses and ginger to the batter for a gingerbread-inspired flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
- Chocolate Chips- Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting.
What To Enjoy With Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a versatile treat that pairs well with various beverages and desserts. Here are some great options to enjoy with these delicious bars:
- Apple Cider - A warm mug of apple cider adds an extra layer of fall flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Vanilla Ice Cream - A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the richness of the cream cheese frosting and adds a delightful cold contrast.
- Whipped Cream - A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the bars can add an airy lightness to each bite.
How Long Do They Last?
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes! Pumpkin bars freeze well, even with the cream cheese frosting. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
More Perfect Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Mousse
- Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Soup
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting | Pumpkin Bar Recipe
Ingredients
For The Pumpkin Bars
- ▢ 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- ▢ 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- ▢ 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- ▢ 2 Eggs
- ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- ▢ 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Clove
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- ▢ 8 ounces Cream Cheese , softened
- ▢ 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter , softened
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven . Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients . In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Pumpkin Bars . Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting . While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Pumpkin Bars . Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
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Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting | Pumpkin Bar Recipe
Ingredients
For The Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Ground Clove
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven . Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients . In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Pumpkin Bars . Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting . While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Pumpkin Bars . Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting | Pumpkin Bar Recipe https://twosleevers.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/
If you’re a fan of fusion cuisine that’s bursting with flavor, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these Chicken Wonton Tacos. With their crispy wonton shell, tender chicken filling, and vibrant toppings, these tacos are sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Flavor Fusion
- Crispy Texture . The wonton wrappers are fried until golden and crispy, providing the perfect crunchy shell for your tacos.
- Flavorful Chicken Filling . Seasoned with aromatic spices and savory sauces, the chicken filling is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
- Customizable Toppings . Top your tacos with your favorite ingredients, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy sour cream, for a personalized main course .
- Easy to Make . Despite their gourmet appearance, these tacos are surprisingly easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps.
With their irresistible combination of textures and flavors, these Chicken Wonton Tacos are guaranteed to impress at your next gathering or weeknight dinner.
What Do Wonton Tacos Taste Like?
Wonton tacos offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that make them incredibly delicious. The wonton wrappers, when fried to crispy perfection, provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender and savory chicken filling. The chicken filling offers a burst of umami-rich flavors with a hint of spiciness.
What Is A Wonton Taco Made Of?
- Wonton Wrappers - These thin sheets of dough are the key to achieving the crispy taco shell.
- Cooked Chicken - Lean ground chicken serves as the flavorful base for the taco filling.
- Onion and Garlic - These aromatic ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the chicken filling.
- Soy Sauce - Adds a salty and savory umami flavor to the filling.
- Gochujang - This Korean chili paste provides a spicy kick and a complex depth of flavor to this chicken recipe .
- Sesame Oil - Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Green Onions - Finely chopped green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor to the filling.
- Toppings - Customize your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges for squeezing.
How To Make Wonton Tacos
- Prepare the Wonton Shells . Heat oil in a skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Place wonton wrappers in the skillet, shaping them into a taco shell form using tongs. Fry until golden and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Season the Chicken Filling . Cook onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add in the cooked chicken, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, and green onions. Stir well to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through and flavorful.
- Assemble the Tacos . Fill each wonton shell with a spoonful of the chicken filling. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve and Enjoy . Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately, allowing everyone to customize their toppings according to their preference.
Tips And Tricks
Achieving the perfect Chicken Wonton Tacos is easy with these helpful tips:
- Crispy Wonton Shells - Ensure your wonton shells are baked until golden brown and crispy to provide the perfect crunchy base for the tacos.
- Fresh Toppings - Use fresh and vibrant toppings such as cabbage slaw, avocado, and cilantro to add brightness and texture to the tacos.
- Serve Immediately - Assemble and serve the tacos immediately to prevent the wonton shells from becoming soggy.
Variations
Customize your Chicken Wonton Tacos with these creative variations:
- Asian-Inspired - Use teriyaki or hoisin sauce to season the chicken filling, and top the tacos with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Tex-Mex Twist - Season the chicken with taco seasoning, top with corn and black bean salsa, and finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Mediterranean Flair - Season the chicken with Greek seasoning, top with tzatziki sauce, diced cucumbers, and tomatoes, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill.
What To Serve With Wonton Tacos
These Chicken Wonton Tacos pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
- Side Dishes - Serve with rice , quinoa , or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Dipping Sauces - Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or guacamole for added flavor.
- Beverages - Pair with your favorite beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing cocktail for a satisfying meal.
How Long Do They Last?
Chicken Wonton Tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembling to maintain their crispy texture and fresh flavor.
However, you can store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the wonton shells in the oven until crispy before assembling the tacos.
Can You Freeze Them?
While it’s best to enjoy Chicken Wonton Tacos fresh, you can freeze any leftover wonton shells in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Reheat the frozen shells in the oven until crispy before assembling the tacos with fresh fillings and toppings.
More Of OurBest Taco Recipes
- Korean Beef Tacos
- Indian Pulled Pork Tacos
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