Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist, tender pumpkin-infused bars topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting make for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the charms of pumpkin desserts, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these pumpkin bars comes from a few simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Using pantry staples alongside smooth pumpkin puree, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings moisture and rich autumn flavor with natural sweetness and earthiness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps keep the bars tender.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses depth and enhances moisture for soft bars.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and body to the bars without weighing them down.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise gently for a light texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the acid in pumpkin to create uplifting fluffiness.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses classic fall spice warmth throughout the batter.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps bars moist and tender with a subtle neutral flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the frosting’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your pumpkin bars come out cleanly and keep their edges intact. This small prep step makes all the difference in baking and clean-up ease.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices so each bite has just the right lift and spice aroma.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the flavor and moisture powerhouse that keeps these bars tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring Both Mixtures Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until you no longer see flour. Overmixing can make baked goods tough, so gentle folding is key to keeping your bars soft and cakey.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top springs back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your pumpkin bars are perfectly cooked, moist, and tender.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is essential for the cream cheese frosting to stay thick and luscious when spread without melting away into the warm cake.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. The frosting should be velvety and spreadable, adding a refreshing tang that complements the pumpkin’s sweetness beautifully.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Then slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges. Now you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To make your pumpkin bars even more inviting, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds an aromatic touch that enhances the experience. These little extras not only boost flavor but also add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack or dessert. For a festive brunch, serve alongside a creamy latte or a glass of cold milk to complement the richness of the cream cheese frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Serve your pumpkin bars on a rustic wooden board with scattered autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for an eye-catching seasonal display. For casual gatherings, stacking the bars on a pretty cake stand gives a cozy, inviting vibe everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the frosting while maintaining the bars’ moist texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, you can freeze them. Cut into individual squares, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cool due to the cream cheese frosting, warm them only slightly if desired. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave softens the cake without melting the frosting too much. Otherwise, room temperature or chilled bars are just as delicious!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast or steam it until soft, then puree until smooth. Use the same 1 cup measurement. Fresh pumpkin adds a slightly different texture but works wonderfully in the recipe.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You could try substituting with mascarpone or a mixture of butter and powdered sugar, but cream cheese gives the signature tang and creaminess that really makes these bars special.

Can I add other spices to the pumpkin bars?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate nutmeg, ginger, or cloves along with cinnamon to deepen the autumn spice profile. Just start with 1/4 teaspoon increments so it doesn’t overwhelm the pumpkin flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free or easily adaptable?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum added to mimic texture. It may be slightly denser but still delicious.

How thick should I cut the pumpkin bars?

Cutting them into roughly 2-inch squares works best—this size balances a satisfying portion with easy handling, perfect for sharing or packing in lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that celebrates the best of fall flavors, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are your new go-to. Simple to make yet so rich in taste and texture, they’re bound to become a favorite at your table. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience firsthand how perfectly pumpkin and cream cheese frosting come together in every delicious bite!

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