1-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2-In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.

3-In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil (or substitute), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4-Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender.

5-Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for uniform baking.

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

7-Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

8-For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. Spread over cooled bars and add sprinkles if desired.