Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this seasonal treat!
– **Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup brewed coffee
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– **Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– **Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, coffee, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
– **Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares.
– **Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 250 per bar
– Fat: 11g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Protein: 3g
Enjoy these Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting to celebrate all things autumn! 🍁🎃 #PumpkinSpiceLatteBars #FallFlavors #CreamCheeseFrosting
– **Popular questions:**
1. Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
– Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may differ slightly.
2. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
– You can try using mashed sweet potatoes as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
3. Can I omit the coffee from the recipe?
– While the coffee enhances the flavor of the bars, you can substitute it with milk or water if needed.
4. Can I make these bars in advance?
– Yes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze these bars?
– Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
6. How can I store the cream cheese frosting?
– Store any leftover frosting in the fridge for up to a week.
7. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
– Absolutely, feel free to customize the bars with your favorite add-ins.
8. Can I use a different type of spice instead of pumpkin pie spice?
– You can experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a different spice blend.
9. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
– You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
10. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
– You can try using maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
– **Helpful tips:**
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra burst of flavor.
– For a richer taste, add a dash of espresso powder to the batter.
– Serve these bars with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate fall indulgence.
– Make sure to cool the bars completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
– Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin spice in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
– Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easy removal and clean-up.
– Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits for a unique twist.
– For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
– Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
– These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself.
– **Expert Secrets:**
1. To enhance the pumpkin flavor, roast fresh pumpkin and puree it for the recipe.
2. Use high-quality coffee for a richer taste in the bars.
3. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
5. Refrigerate the bars before serving for a firmer texture.
6. Experiment with different frosting flavors such as cinnamon or maple for a fun twist.
7. Add a pinch of salt to the cream cheese frosting for a balanced sweetness.
8. Garnish the bars with toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping.
9. For a decadent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
10. Share these bars with family and friends to spread the joy of fall baking.