Best Pumpkin Bars Flavor (Print-Friendly Version)

Moist pumpkin bars with brown butter cream cheese frosting dusted in pumpkin pie spice.

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

→ Sugars

06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
10 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

→ Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
15 - Pumpkin pie spice, for dusting

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and applesauce until smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
04 - Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
05 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling frequently, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.
06 - Beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add browned butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
07 - Once pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread evenly with brown butter cream cheese frosting. Dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice before cutting into squares and serving.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - Use parchment paper in the jelly roll pan to ensure easy removal and clean edges when cutting bars.
02 - Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth to the frosting enhancing the overall flavor profile.

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