Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it combines the cozy warmth of autumn spices with the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a big, comforting hug—perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings where everyone’s looking for a little sweet indulgence.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it comes together, yet delivers bakery-quality results at home. You’ll find that these bars are wonderfully moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree, and the frosting adds that just-right balance of sweetness and creaminess. Trust me, once you make these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful base and a creamy, dreamy frosting. I always recommend using fresh pumpkin puree and sifting the powdered sugar to get that silky smooth frosting texture.

• Eggs: They provide structure and richness—room temperature eggs mix best.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars without overwhelming the pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist; I’ve also swapped in avocado oil for a subtle twist.
• Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling for the best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to both the bars and frosting.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the batter, providing structure to the bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise evenly and stay light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Classic pumpkin spice that really warms up the flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This special blend of spices is what gives the bars their signature taste.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the spices.
• Baking Soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to lift the bars perfectly.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, softened for easy mixing.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that creamy frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift it for a smooth frosting; add gradually to reach your perfect consistency.

Variations

I love making this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by switching up a few things here and there. Feel free to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find it forgiving and versatile.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve had great success swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose mix, just be sure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
• Spice it Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth—pumpkin pie spice blends vary, so this personalizes the flavor.
• Maple Twist: Replacing part of the granulated sugar with maple syrup adds a subtle syrupy depth I really enjoy.
• Frosting-Free: If you’re not in the mood for frosting, these bars are still tasty dusted with a bit of powdered sugar or cinnamon.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and misting a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. I like to line mine with parchment paper for an easy lift-out later, but it’s totally optional depending on your preference.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. I noticed when I first made this recipe that whisking the wet ingredients really thoroughly helps create a smooth batter without lumps.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. This makes sure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed so your bars bake perfectly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix here—overworking the batter can make the bars tough, and you want them soft and tender.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting—this step is crucial to keep the frosting from melting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, mix together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar until you reach the consistency you like—thicker frosting works best for spreading. I discovered that sifting the sugar makes such a difference for a silky smooth finish.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. I like to use an offset spatula for this part so I can get nice, even coverage without tearing the bars. Slice into squares and serve—your family and friends will go crazy for these!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans on top for an added crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top for special occasions, and my guests always ask for seconds!

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a big cup of coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to make it an extra special dessert after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn leaves and tiny pumpkins for a festive look. Cutting the bars into mini squares or even bite-sized pieces on a tiered tray makes them perfect finger foods that vanish quickly at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the pan tightly with foil and keep leftovers in the fridge, and they last really well for up to 3 days. The bars stay moist, and the frosting holds up nicely—though I recommend bringing them to room temp before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I slice them first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When I want a quick treat later, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and they taste just as fresh as the day I made them.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the bars gently in the microwave for just 15 to 20 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it completely. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then warm slightly to enjoy that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has found a special place in my baking rotation, especially during fall when the flavors feel just right. I love sharing them with friends and family because they’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and bring that cozy, nostalgic feel to the table. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to brighten your day or your holiday spread, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll thank me later!

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