Pumpkin Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
These perfectly spiced Pumpkin Bars with Graham Cracker Crust are three delicious layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, a soft and fluffy pumpkin cake and a light layer of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 16 graham cracker sheets crushed into coarse crumbs
- 9 tablespoons butter melted
- ⅓ cup sugar
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 cup pumpkin
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a ¼ sheet pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Mix well until fully moistened.16 graham cracker sheets, 9 tablespoons butter, ⅓ cup sugar
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking sheet using the bottom of a measuring cup to make an even layer.
- Place in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir with a whisk until fully combined and smooth.1 cup pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir with a whisk to combine.1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just until combined.
- Spread the pumpkin batter over the graham cracker crust in an even layer and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center springs back and the edges are starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, about an hour.
For the Frosting:
- In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and butter and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth.3 tablespoons butter, 2 ounces cream cheese
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla and mix just until combined.½ tablespoon heavy whipping cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Spread over cooled bars. Cut into squares.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 643IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.
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