Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, ensuring your pumpkin bars won't stick.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser texture.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.