Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed; 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ¼ tsp ground ginger; 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Meet your new favorite fall treat: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! These incredibly moist, lightly spiced bars are topped with a dreamy layer of rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family, heading to a potluck, or simply settling in with a cup of tea, this crowd-pleasing dessert delivers the cozy flavors of autumn with maximum ease and minimum fuss.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about these bars is how the ingredients feel familiar, yet each plays an essential part in layering the flavors or nailing that ultra-soft crumb. Here’s what you’ll need to make unforgettable Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bars bake up moist and tender.
Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar deepens the flavor and brings lovely caramel notes.
Vegetable oil: For that incredibly soft, plush texture—oil keeps the bars super moist even after a day or two.
Eggs: Hold everything together and make the bars irresistibly rich.
Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient! Not only does it provide that classic pumpkin flavor, but it also gives the bars their gorgeously orange hue and softness. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin purée—not pie filling.
All-purpose flour: The base that brings structure to these delicious bars.
Baking powder & baking soda: A duo for lift and perfect crumb—these keep the bars light, not dense.
Salt: Just a touch, to balance out all the sweet and spice happening here.
Ground cinnamon: That “hello, fall!” spice everyone craves.
Ground nutmeg: Adds floral warmth and complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for that sweet, spicy depth.
Ground ginger: Delivers a gentle, fragrant heat.
Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting, it brings a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting extra luxurious and spreadable.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Gives the frosting the ideal pillowy texture—no lumps allowed!
Vanilla extract: A splash in the frosting for depth and warmth.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking pan, then grease and flour it well—this small step ensures your bars pop out perfectly when it’s time to slice and serve.

Step 2: Combine Sugars, Oil, Eggs, and Pumpkin

In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture looks glossy and unified. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking briefly after each addition. Stir in your pumpkin purée—the batter will instantly turn a beautiful shade of orange and start to smell like autumn itself!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Doing this step separately ensures the leaveners and spices spread evenly throughout the bars, so every bite is as luscious as the last.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing—stop just as soon as the batter comes together. This helps keep those Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting tender and soft, not dense.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; patience here means perfect frosting later!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lump-free. Gradually add the powdered sugar (sifting first ensures extra-smooth results) and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting looks light, fluffy, and positively irresistible.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Once the bars have cooled, slather the top in a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Swirl it prettily or keep it smooth—your choice! Cut into squares (or rectangles, if you’re feeling fancy) and get ready for some serious swooning.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Want to dress these bars up for a special occasion? Sprinkle the frosting with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, a dusting of cinnamon for warmth, or even edible gold sprinkles for a touch of autumn glam. Each option adds a lovely finish, and your guests will appreciate the extra flair!

Side Dishes

Since Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are rich and sweet, they pair perfectly with a big mug of black coffee, some fresh apple slices for a crisp contrast, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert. If you’re serving a fall feast, try them alongside spiced chai or hot apple cider to bring out all those warm seasonal notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut the bars into bite-size squares and serve in mini cupcake liners—instant party treats! Or, layer small cubes of pumpkin bar and frosting in individual glasses for a playful pumpkin parfait. Feeling extra creative? Use a cookie cutter to shape the bars into pumpkins or leaves and decorate with a drizzle of melted chocolate or colorful sprinkles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars stay wonderfully moist for several days! Store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chill keeps the frosting perfectly set, and the flavor just gets better over time.

Freezing

The bars themselves (pre-frosting) freeze like a dream. Once they’re completely cooled, wrap portions snugly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, whip up the frosting, and spread generously just before serving.

Reheating

If you just can’t wait to dig in and they’re still a bit chilly from the fridge, pop a bar (unfrosted is best for reheating) in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The pumpkin spice aroma will bloom and the bar will taste bakery-fresh. If already frosted, simply let them sit out for 15–20 minutes to soften gently.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure your homemade purée isn’t too watery—if it is, drain off any excess liquid or pat it dry with paper towels. The texture should match canned for best results in these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free blend. The bars are forgiving and still bake up soft and flavorful, even with a gluten-free base.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being runny?

Beat the cream cheese and butter until they’re fully combined and smooth before adding in the powdered sugar. If your frosting ends up too loose, just pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm it up before spreading on your bars.

Can I make the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the bars up to two days in advance, store covered in the fridge, then frost the day you’ll serve them. Alternatively, make both components ahead and assemble just before guests arrive.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes or a layer cake?

Go for it! For cupcakes, fill lined muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. If you want a layer cake, use two round pans—just adjust the baking time accordingly and watch for doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll find as much joy in making—and sharing—these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting as I do every fall. One bite is all it takes to transport you to harvest season happiness. Don’t wait for a special occasion; let these bars sweeten up any day!