This is a wonderful small batch pumpkin bars recipe. Tender pumpkin cake topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and sliced into squares. No need to make a big batch, this small batch pumpkin bar recipe gives you the perfect amount to satisfy a sweet craving.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the egg, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until well combined.
Pour the batter into a greased 5x5-inch baking dish (or use 4x6-inch baking dish).
Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove to a baking rack to cool completely.
Make The Cream Cheese Frosting
Combine the cream cheese and butter in a small mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
Add the sugar and the vanilla and mix until combined and smooth. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.
Notes
Expert Tips
Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, while pumpkin puree is simply pumpkin that has been puréed. This will give your bars a more natural flavor.
Measure your flour correctly. The most common mistake people make when making pumpkin bars is adding too much flour. This can make the bars dry and crumbly. To measure flour correctly, stir it first to loosen it, then spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level it off using the flat edge of a knife.
Get creative with your toppings. Pumpkin bars are delicious on their own, but you can also add some fun toppings to make them more festive. Try sprinkling them with sprinkles, candy corn, or roasted pumpkin seeds. You can also add chocolate chips, raisins, or walnuts to the batter.
Check your oven temperature. It's important to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking your pumpkin bars. An oven that is not calibrated properly can cause your bars to bake too quickly or too slowly. I recommend investing in an oven thermometer to test your oven temperature.