There’s something magical about Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—the way they fill your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and deliver a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. These bars are the perfect balance of soft, spiced pumpkin cake and a luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, making them a must-have for any fall gathering or afternoon pick-me-up. With a straightforward recipe and ingredients you probably already have on hand, this dessert is destined to become a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how a handful of pantry staples can come together to create something so delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that signature golden-orange color. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these crowd-pleasing Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps keep the bars tender and moist.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture for a soft crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars wonderfully moist and light—no butter needed here!
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the bars fluffy and satisfying.
- Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show, giving a deep autumnal flavor and that gorgeous orange hue.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together, providing just the right amount of density.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to create a perfect rise and airy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens up the flavors.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds cozy, aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Ground Cinnamon: Gives an extra boost of warmth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The key to a smooth, tangy frosting that’s irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Makes the frosting rich, creamy, and easy to spread.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without any grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the frosting with a classic, comforting aroma.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This small step makes a big difference—no sticking, no mess, just perfectly shaped bars every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin purée. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This is where the magic begins—the sugars dissolve, the oil brings richness, and the pumpkin infuses every bite with autumn flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, so every bar tastes just right.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just fold everything together until you don’t see any dry streaks. The batter will be thick and fragrant, ready to transform into soft, spiced bars.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars will puff up slightly and turn a beautiful golden-orange. Let them cool completely in the pan—this sets them up for perfect slicing and a flawless frosting finish.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then keep beating until your frosting is creamy, dreamy, and spreadable. This step is where Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting get their signature tangy-sweet finish.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl the frosting for a pretty finish. Cut into squares and admire your handiwork—these bars are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped pecans, or even a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting adds a lovely finish. Garnishes not only bring texture and color but also take the flavor up a notch. If you’re feeling extra festive, a few sugared cranberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful all on their own, but if you want to round out a dessert table, serve them alongside a bowl of spiced whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy autumn gathering, pair with warm apple cider or a frothy chai latte—these flavors complement the bars beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares for a dessert platter or arranging them in cupcake liners for individual servings at a party. If you’re entertaining, stack the bars in a tiered arrangement and sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for a dramatic centerpiece. For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to make festive shapes before frosting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars actually get even more moist and flavorful after a day in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the frosting keeps its creamy texture throughout.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these bars even longer? Freeze them! Cut the bars (frosted or unfrosted) into squares, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge before serving so the frosting returns to its smooth, luscious state.
Reheating
If you prefer your pumpkin bars a little warm, pop an unfrosted bar in the microwave for a few seconds. For frosted bars, let them come to room temperature naturally, as microwaving can make the frosting runny. Either way, you’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works beautifully in Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Just make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery for the best texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well for a safe, delicious treat.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the frosting up to 3 days ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and let it soften slightly before spreading it over your cooled bars. This makes assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store these bars in the fridge. They’re still soft and flavorful when chilled—and you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer them extra tender.
What’s the best way to cut Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting cleanly?
For neat slices, chill the bars first and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. You’ll get perfect squares, and the frosting will stay beautifully intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing fall dessert, look no further than Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Give them a try, share them with family and friends, and watch them disappear—these bars are sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist pumpkin bars topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars combine warm autumn spices with a rich, velvety frosting, making them the perfect treat for fall gatherings or any dessert craving.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin purée until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon ensuring even distribution.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars dense.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which helps the frosting adhere better.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until creamy.
- Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars with a spatula.
- Serve: Cut into 16 squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives.
- Optional toppings: add chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
