Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a seasonal baking favorite that perfectly blends autumnal warmth and sweet comfort. These moist, tender bars boast rich pumpkin flavor spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, all beautifully complemented by silky-smooth cream cheese frosting. In just around 100 words, this introduction captures why you’re going to fall in love with this easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, holiday potluck, or just craving something delicious, this recipe comes together simply and quickly—making it ideal for bakers of any skill level. Get ready to treat yourself to creamy, pumpkin-spiced bliss in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for so many reasons:
- Effortless preparation — A simple one‑bowl batter mixes up in minutes, perfect for when you want a delicious homemade dessert with minimal fuss.
- Bold flavor profile — A medley of warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice enhances the pumpkin’s naturally sweet, earthy taste.
- Ultimate texture — Moist, tender bars paired with rich, velvety cream cheese frosting make every bite indulgent.
- Perfect for sharing — These bars cut cleanly and hold their shape, making them ideal for potlucks, dessert tables, or casual weekday treats.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars Ingredients (rewrite):
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup mild‑flavored oil (like vegetable or avocado oil)
- 1 (15‑oz) can of 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 (rewrite):
- 1 (8‑oz) package low‑fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust for desired thickness and sweetness)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Pumpkin Bars
- Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients — In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt, and baking soda until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures — Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated—be careful not to overmix.
- Bake — Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool — Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting — In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches your preferred thickness.
- Frost and Serve — Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top, then slice and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Avoid over‑mixing the batter to keep the bars light and tender—stop mixing as soon as no flour streaks remain.
- Check for doneness — Insert a toothpick into the middle of the pan—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.
- Sift your powdered sugar for an ultra‑smooth frosting—this prevents lumps and gives a silky finish.
- Bring ingredients to room temp—especially eggs, cream cheese, and butter—for easier mixing and better texture.
- Let the bars cool fully before frosting; otherwise, the cream cheese may melt and become runny.
Substitutions And Variations
- Oil alternatives: Use coconut oil (melted), canola oil, or even melted butter for different flavor notes.
- Whole‑grain option: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat pastry flour for a richer, nuttier taste and extra nutrition.
- Spice variations: Customize your spice blend with ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to suit your taste preferences.
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter to create a completely dairy-free frosting alternative.
- Added mix‑ins: Stir in ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans), chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for texture contrast.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container—or cover the baking dish tightly with foil—for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted or frosted bars in an airtight freezer-safe container or sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per bar, assuming 12 servings)
- Calories: ~280–320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12–15 g (depending on frosting thickness)
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~38–42 g
- Sugars: ~26–30 g
- Protein: ~3–4 g
- Fiber: ~1–2 g
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients, portion size, and whether the bar is heavily frosted.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with beverages — A hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a latte complements the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors beautifully.
- Add toppings — Enhance each bar with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Seasonal twists — Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for festive flair during fall holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Q1: Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, absolutely! You can bake them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge (unfrosted) until you’re ready to frost and serve. This keeps the frosting fresh and the bars perfectly moist.
Q2: Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned puree?
Definitely. If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups to replace a 15-ounce can. Just ensure it’s not watery; drain or reduce it slightly if necessary.
Q3: How can I tell when the bars are done without overbaking?
Insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean, the bars are done. They should spring back slightly when lightly pressed but not jiggle.
Q4: My frosting turned out too runny—what now?
Chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up a bit, or add more powdered sugar, a tbsp at a time, until you reach a thicker consistency.
Q5: How thick should I spread the frosting?
That’s up to you! For a classic look, aim for about ¼‑inch thick. If you love frosting, feel free to spread it a bit thicker—it’s totally delicious that way!
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying my Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! I hope every moist, spiced bite and creamy swirl of frosting brings a smile to your face. This recipe is close to my heart—it’s both simple to make and rich in cozy flavor, perfect for fall gatherings or any time you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Enjoy the ease of mixing up a one‑bowl batter, watching it bake into golden deliciousness, and topping it off with luscious frosting. Wishing you a warm and delightful baking experience—thank you for being part of our food‑loving community, and happy baking!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a simple, seasonal dessert made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese topping. They’re soft, moist, and perfect for fall baking.
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable or avocado oil
1 (15‑oz) can pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
Frosting:
8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients — In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt, and baking soda until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures — Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated—be careful not to overmix.
- Bake — Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool — Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting — In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches your preferred thickness.
- Frost and Serve — Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
Bars cut cleanly for easy serving
Use fresh pumpkin puree (2 cups) if desired
Chill frosting if too soft
Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g