Pumpkin Bars with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfect pumpkin bars with an irresistible salted caramel cream cheese frosting - there's no better fall treat!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time28 minutes mins
Cooling Time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 38 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15 bars
Calories: 355kcal
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
for the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 8 oz brick cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup butter at room temperature
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
To make the pumpkin bars:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, and pumpkin puree.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing in low until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, until toothpick comes out of the middle clean.
Let cool completely.
To make the frosting:
In bowl with electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until smooth.
Add caramel and sea salt, mixing until combined.
Spread frosting on top of cooled pumpkin bars.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
- Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese and butter when making the frosting.
- Cool the bars completely before frosting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 4878IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg