Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dessert that perfectly captures everything you love about autumn baking, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are about to become your new obsession. Soft and tender, deeply spiced, and topped with a luxuriously creamy, tangy-sweet layer of frosting, these bars strike that magical balance between unbelievably easy and irresistibly delicious. All the flavors of pumpkin pie—plus the richness of classic cream cheese frosting—in crowd-pleasing, snackable form!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to make these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting might already be in your kitchen! Each ingredient has a starring role to play, ensuring the bars are moist, aromatic, and delightfully decadent.

• Pumpkin Purée: Brings robust pumpkin flavor and keeps the bars super moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps with those perfectly crisped edges.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides tenderness and keeps the crumb light—no dry bars here!
• Eggs: Add richness and structure for a soft, cake-like texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together without being heavy.
• Baking Powder: Gives the bars their lovely lift and keeps them from being too dense.
• Ground Cinnamon: The unmistakable spice that makes each bite feel like fall.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and adds a little extra rise.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings out all those cozy spices.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth alongside the cinnamon.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering that signature tang and creaminess.
• Unsalted Butter: Makes the frosting rich and fluffy—be sure it’s softened.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of warmth and flavor to round out the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for smooth spreading.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a generous coating of nonstick spray. This little bit of prep will make it so much easier to lift out your bars and slice them later—no sticking or crumbling!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. This step is key: blending these well ensures your bars bake up moist and even.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. This simple move disperses the leaveners and spices evenly, so every bite bursts with flavor and lightness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—no need to overdo it! At this stage, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few cozy crumbs clinging to it. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting—trust me, the wait is worth it!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it looks light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly lick-the-spoon good.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. You can get fancy swirls or keep it rustic—both work! Carefully lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles. Now you’re ready to share (or, honestly, keep a stash just for yourself) the most crave-worthy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting around.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Looking to make your pumpkin bars pop? Try a light dusting of cinnamon, a few curls of white chocolate, or a scattering of toasted pepitas or chopped pecans on top of the frosting. It adds texture, color, and an irresistible little flourish that makes each bar look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

When it comes to serving Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, less is sometimes more! They’re perfect with a big mug of coffee, spicy chai, or warm apple cider. For a dessert platter, pair them with crisp apple slices, candied nuts, or a bowl of fresh berries to complement their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered platter for parties. Wrap individual pieces in parchment and tie with twine for gift-giving, or serve them cupcake-style in colorful paper liners to make a festive dessert display everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best part? Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting hold up beautifully! Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay moist and tasty for up to five days. In fact, letting them chill overnight can make the flavor even better.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead (or have self-control with desserts!), these bars freeze like a dream. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or stack layers with parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Prefer your bars a little closer to room temperature? Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you want to eat. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight—no microwaving needed, as the frosting is best enjoyed cold or gently softened.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You sure can! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin purée is well strained to avoid excess moisture that could make the bars soggy. The flavor will be even fresher and more seasonal.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

Absolutely, melted unsalted butter works in place of vegetable oil, giving the bars a slightly richer flavor. Your bars might be a touch denser, but still scrumptious.

Are there gluten-free options for these bars?

Yes, a good 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute will work in place of all-purpose. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure, and check your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

The secret is to use well-softened (not melted) cream cheese and butter and to add the powdered sugar gradually. If your frosting looks thin, an extra spoonful or two of powdered sugar helps stabilize it fast.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans, or try a larger sheet pan if you have one. Keep an eye on the baking time since a larger batch may need a bit longer to fully set in the middle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a pan of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—whether it’s a family gathering, neighborhood potluck, or a quiet afternoon treat. Their spiced pumpkin warmth and silky frosting never fail to please. If you’re ready for a dessert that brings all the joy of fall in every bite, whip up a batch and taste the magic for yourself!

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