I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you! It’s one of those fall desserts that instantly feels like a warm hug—the perfect balance of moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whenever pumpkin season rolls around, I find myself making this for gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or just to satisfy a cozy craving.
What makes this recipe especially worth trying is how effortlessly it comes together, yet tastes like it took hours of love and care. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds that velvety finish that my family literally goes crazy for. If you’ve been searching for that perfect pumpkin bar that’s both fluffy and flavorful, with a frosting that’s smooth and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re in the right place!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: The ingredients come together quickly, so you won’t spend all day baking.
- Perfect Texture: Moist and tender pumpkin bars balanced with creamy, tangy frosting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe always gets compliments and second helpings at my house.
- Customizable: You can tweak spices or the frosting sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making your pumpkin bars taste just like my family loves them. The combination of warm spices with pure pumpkin and smooth cream cheese frosting really makes this recipe stand out.
- Eggs: They help bind the bars and create that light, cakey texture I adore.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and moisture to balance the pumpkin.
- Vegetable oil: I like using neutral oils like avocado oil to keep the pumpkin flavor front and center.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—you want pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way to deepen the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base that keeps the bars sturdy but soft.
- Baking powder & Baking soda: These leaveners ensure the bars rise nicely without being dense.
- Ground cinnamon & Pumpkin pie spice: These spices deliver that nostalgic fall flavor—be sure to use fresh spices for the best aroma.
- Fine sea salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, keeping things balanced.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds that luscious tang to the frosting.
- Butter: Soft butter in the frosting gives it richness and helps with spreadability.
- Powdered sugar: Make sure to sift it for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese frosting.
Variations
I love that this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is super adaptable, so you can make it your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks to suit different moods or dietary needs—don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Gluten-Free: I once swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results, perfect for friends with sensitivities.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg if you want to punch up that classic fall flavor even more.
- Less Sweet Frosting: You can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting if you prefer something less sugary but still creamy.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a little crunch and extra flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Care
The first thing I do is heat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray my 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps the bars come out cleanly. Then, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until everything’s nicely blended. I find that using a whisk here helps incorporate air and creates a lighter batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until they’re evenly mixed. This step is important because it distributes the leavening agents well and keeps the spices uniform throughout the bars.
Step 3: Bring It All Together—But Don’t Overmix!
Pour the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined. I can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid overmixing here—you want the bars to be tender, not dense or tough. As soon as you don’t see any more flour, it’s time to stop stirring.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. I always check at the 30-minute mark with a toothpick—when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Then, cool the bars completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and keep stirring until the frosting reaches the spreadable consistency you love. I usually start with 2 cups of sugar and add more to taste—this way, you control how sweet it ends up.
Step 6: Frost, Slice, and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. For clean slices, I like to wipe my knife between cuts. Serve them up and watch people savor every bite—it’s one of those recipes that always feels like a celebration when it hits the table.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened eggs, cream cheese, and butter blend more smoothly and give better texture.
- Don’t Skip Sifting Powdered Sugar: I learned this the hard way—your frosting will be way smoother and lump-free.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start testing your bars at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Let Bars Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting on warm bars melts and runs—cooling keeps your layers perfect.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, I like sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. It adds texture and a visual pop that really makes the pumpkin bars stand out, especially when serving guests.
Side Dishes
These bars are perfect with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea, but I’ve also served them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. They make a wonderful dessert or sweet snack with just the right balance to pair well with savory meals too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these pumpkin bars on a rustic wooden board and garnished with fresh cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary. It creates a beautiful fall-themed centerpiece that’s both inviting and delicious. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail picks for party-friendly treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover the baking dish tightly with foil and keep leftover pumpkin bars in the fridge, where they stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d rather, transfer them to an airtight container to keep the frosting from picking up any fridge odors—both methods work well depending on your kitchen setup.
Freezing
Freezing these bars is a great way to save time later. I freeze them unfrosted, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. When ready, I thaw them overnight and then spread fresh cream cheese frosting for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you want to serve these bars warm, I gently heat single slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm without melting the frosting. This method brings out the cozy pumpkin spice aroma and makes the bars feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
-
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I recommend using plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, because the filling already contains added spices and sugars, which can throw off the flavor and texture of your bars. Pure pumpkin allows you to control the spices and sweetness in this recipe.
-
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting?
Always make sure your pumpkin bars are completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese frosting. Frosting on warm bars tends to melt and become runny, so patience here is key for that perfect creamy layer.
-
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two ahead, keep them refrigerated (unfrosted if you prefer), and frost them right before serving. This approach ensures the freshest texture and flavor, especially for the frosting.
-
What’s the best way to get even slices?
I like using a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut to prevent tearing or sticky edges. You can also chill the frosted bars briefly to firm up the frosting, making slicing neater and easier.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe comes together with such simple ingredients yet delivers incredible fall flavors and textures. When I first tried making pumpkin bars myself, I struggled to get the frosting just right—but this recipe took all the guesswork out and quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. I really hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as my family and I do. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to fall treat too!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and moist pumpkin bars topped with a creamy and smooth cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, spiced treat. The recipe combines classic pumpkin spice flavors with a rich cream cheese topping, baked to perfection in a simple 9×13-inch pan.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups sifted powdered sugar*
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, fine sea salt, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Pumpkin Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and transfer the dish to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, stirring continuously until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—add more sugar for thicker frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars!
Notes
- Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting helps achieve an ultra-smooth texture.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, cover the baking dish tightly with foil when refrigerating.
- Oil Substitution: You can use avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil instead of vegetable oil if preferred.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bars dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
