Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting - Chocolate with Grace

Indulge in the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and chocolate goodness with these delicious pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and a decadent chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F 175C

Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan

In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until well blended

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Allow to cool completely

In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth

Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted bars

Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting and chocolate to set

Cut into bars and serve