Description
These Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars are a cozy fall dessert with warm pumpkin spice flavor, a soft and tender texture, and a creamy espresso-kissed frosting on top. They are perfect for holiday baking, easy dessert trays, sweet snack ideas, fall food ideas, and make-ahead treats when you want an easy recipe that feels bakery special.
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon warm water
1 pinch ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon espresso powder until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the bars completely before frosting.
8. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
9. Add the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon espresso powder dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water, then beat until fluffy.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon.
11. Chill briefly for cleaner slices, then cut and serve.
Notes
Make sure the bars are fully cooled before adding the frosting so it stays thick and smooth.
For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting.
If you want a stronger coffee flavor, add a little extra espresso powder to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg