Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Try this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 4 eggs, lightly whisked
- 1/4 cup silk almond creamer (i used pumpkin spice)
- 1 (15 oz) can 100% pumpkin puree
- 1 (8 oz) package 1/3 less-fat cream cheese softened
- 2 to 3 tsp. silk almond creamer (i used pumpkin spic
- Carbohydrate 10.4893687834005 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.0683448153806 g
- Fiber 1.73132559792697 g
- Protein 2.1649920625 g
- Saturated Fat 3.08811129936233 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (20g)
- Sodium 0.818496875288485 mg
- Sugar 8.75804318547352 g
- Trans Fat 0.341333906419577 g
- Calories 91 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, coconut oil, Silk almond creamer, maple syrup and pumpkin puree and stir until well-combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour pumpkin mixture into a prepared 8x8-inch baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the pumpkin bars sit for 5 minutes then remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, add cream cheese, maple syrup and vanilla extract to the bowl of your stand mixer (or you can use a hand mixer) and whip on high until smooth.
- Add the Silk Almond Creamer a teaspoon at a time until you have your desired creaminess.
- Evenly spread cream cheese frosting over the bars once they have cooled completely, top with a little extra pumpkin pie spice and cut into 16 pieces.
- Enjoy!
My Unexpected Pumpkin Bar Adventure
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. Weeknights are usually a whirlwind of homework help, dinner prep, and the ever-present struggle to keep up with laundry. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, I was initially hesitant. Baking? Seriously? Didn't I have enough on my plate already? But something about the warm spices and the promise of that creamy frosting whispered a siren song to my soul, a promise of a sweet escape from the everyday grind. And I'm so glad I listened.
The initial steps were surprisingly straightforward. The process of combining the wet and dry ingredients felt almost meditative, a welcome pause in the usual chaos of my life. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the bars baked was heavenly; a comforting blend of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a cozy ambiance that instantly calmed my frazzled nerves. Thirty minutes later, I was staring at a golden-brown masterpiece, the scent so intoxicating that even my usually picky kids stopped their bickering to take a sniff. The wait for them to cool was the hardest part, but the anticipation was worth it.
The cream cheese frosting was the perfect finishing touch. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, it elevated these pumpkin bars from simple dessert to a truly decadent treat. The contrast of the moist, spiced cake and the creamy frosting was divine. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice added a delightful touch of warmth. Each bite was a small act of self-care, a moment of pure indulgence amidst the usual responsibilities. I ended up sharing them with my colleagues at work and was surprised at how fast they disappeared; that means I need to double the recipe next time.
These pumpkin bars became more than just a delicious dessert; they were a symbol of taking a moment for myself, a small act of rebellion against the daily grind. The simple act of baking, of creating something beautiful and delicious from humble ingredients, was incredibly therapeutic. The process allowed me to unplug from the constant demands of work and family and focus on something positive. This wasn’t just about baking pumpkin bars; it was about nurturing my soul, and the incredible flavors were just a bonus.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Simple Joys
This experience reminded me of the importance of finding small moments of joy amidst the chaos of daily life. The simple pleasure of baking, the satisfaction of creating something delicious, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones—these are the things that truly nourish the soul. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure to do more, be more, and achieve more. But sometimes, the most fulfilling things in life are the simplest ones. Taking the time to bake these pumpkin bars wasn't just about making a dessert; it was about creating a moment of peace and contentment in a busy life. And that, I believe, is a recipe for happiness.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness, but in its accessibility. It's a recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. You can experiment with different types of flour, sweeteners, and cream cheese. The possibilities are endless! More importantly, it's a recipe that reminds us that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to create something beautiful, something delicious, and something truly special.
So, if you're looking for a delicious treat that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy, I highly recommend giving these pumpkin bars a try. But more than that, I encourage you to find your own "pumpkin bar moment"—that small act of self-care, that moment of joy and creativity that helps you recharge and reconnect with yourself. It might be baking, gardening, painting, reading, or anything that brings you a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Ingredients and Variations:
While the original recipe calls for whole wheat flour, feel free to experiment with other types of flour, such as all-purpose or almond flour. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The cream cheese frosting can be customized by adding different extracts, such as peppermint or orange. Adding nuts to the batter can provide a lovely texture and flavor. Let your creativity guide you! Happy baking!
