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–+ servings
Fresh milled flour pumpkin bars topped with caramel cream cheese frosting.

The Best Fresh Milled Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft pumpkin bars made with fresh milled flour, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and an optional caramel drizzle. An easy fall dessert ready in under an hour.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Calories: 290kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Silicone spatula
  • 8x8 baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 large eggs (about 100g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • ½ cup lard melted (can be substitued with any other oil)(about 100g)
  • ½ can pumpkin puree (213g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
  • 1 cup fresh milled soft white wheat flour (130g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (2.5g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (3g)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 3 ounce cream cheese (85g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (28g)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2g)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (15g)
  • pinch of salt (optional)

Optional Caramel Topping

  • ¼ cup caramel, for drizzling (about 80g)

Instructions

How to Make Fresh Milled Pumpkin Bars

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until combined.
  • Add the melted lard (or oil), pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the fresh milled soft white wheat, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared 8x8 pan and spread it into an even layer.
  • Bake at 350°F for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  • Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  • If using, drizzle the caramel over the frosted bars right before serving.
  • Slice into 12 bars and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 260mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 27g