Are you looking for the perfect fall dessert that combines all the delicious flavors of autumn in one bite? Look no further! These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, spiced just right, and topped with creamy, sweet frosting. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday party, or just a cozy treat at home, this recipe will hit the spot. Read on to discover the full step-by-step guide to making these incredible pumpkin bars and pick up some essential tips along the way!
What Are Pumpkin Bars?
Pumpkin bars are a soft, cake-like dessert made with canned pumpkin, sugar, and spices, similar to pumpkin bread but baked in a sheet pan. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them the perfect treat for any pumpkin lover. And what makes them even more irresistible is the cream cheese frosting spread over the top. The combination of spiced pumpkin and tangy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven!
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pumpkin bars:
- 4 large eggs (beaten)
- 16 oz canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, Libby’s canned pumpkin is recommended)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works best)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting
You can either use store-bought frosting for convenience or whip up your own homemade version for a more personal touch. Here’s what you’ll need for homemade cream cheese frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar (depending on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
Want to add a personal twist to your pumpkin bars? Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Oil Substitutes: You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a healthier option.
- Spice Mix: Add more fall spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a deeper flavor. Alternatively, a store-bought pumpkin pie spice mix works perfectly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free without compromising on taste.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based butter to make a dairy-free version of the frosting.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious pumpkin bars. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginners.

- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper to make removal easier after baking.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add in the pumpkin puree, sugar, and cooking oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring just until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of your bars.
- Pour the batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the pumpkin bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden, and the bars will have risen slightly.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial to avoid the frosting melting and becoming runny.
How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Beating the Eggs – Beat the eggs thoroughly for a light and fluffy texture in your bars.
- Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients – Mix pumpkin puree, oil, and sugar with the beaten eggs to ensure an even consistency.
- Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients – Combine the flour with leavening agents and cinnamon, which provides that signature fall flavor.
- Step 4: Blending – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just incorporated for the best texture.
- Step 5: Baking – Always check for doneness with a toothpick or knife inserted in the center before removing the bars from the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly:
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree: Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will throw off the balance of your recipe.
- Overmixing the batter: This can result in tough, dense bars. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Not cooling the bars before frosting: If you frost the bars while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt, leaving you with a mess.
- Skipping parchment paper: This makes removal and cutting so much easier, preventing the bars from sticking to the pan.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Your pumpkin bars are baked, cooled, and frosted—now it’s time to serve! Here’s how to make sure your presentation is top-notch:
- Neat Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. Wipe the knife clean between each cut for the tidiest results.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting, or decorate each bar with a walnut or pecan for added flair.
- Drizzle: For an extra special touch, drizzle caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the finished bars.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars
These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a tall glass of milk. They’re versatile enough to be served as a casual treat for your family or dressed up for a fall-themed party or holiday gathering.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars
Presentation makes a huge difference, especially when serving these delicious bars at a party or event. Here are a few creative ways to present them:
- Stack and Serve: Stack the bars on a rustic cake stand for a cozy, autumnal look.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal setting, place each pumpkin bar on its own dessert plate and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
- Platter Arrangement: Arrange the bars on a large platter, with small pumpkins or fall leaves as decorations around the edges for a seasonal touch.
Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips
- Storage: Store your pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Make Ahead: You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just be sure to frost them closer to serving time for the best taste.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding a dash of vanilla extract to the batter can enhance the overall flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly before using it in this recipe. Canned pumpkin is more convenient and consistent in texture, though.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How long do pumpkin bars last?
These bars will last for up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Yes, pumpkin bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use a basic buttercream frosting or even a whipped cream topping as a lighter alternative.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with the creamy richness of frosting. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Try it out today, and enjoy the delightful taste of autumn with every bite!
PrintPumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful fall treat! Made with simple ingredients like canned pumpkin, eggs, and flour, these bars are moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Top with either store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting for a perfect finish. Ideal for gatherings or as a sweet autumn indulgence. Enjoy the perfect balance of pumpkin spice and creamy sweetness!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 16 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, use Libby’s canned)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, and canned pumpkin. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute homemade cream cheese frosting for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon to your taste for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 190mg
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