Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome to the ultimate autumn indulgence: the most delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of these incredibly soft, moist, and perfectly spiced pumpkin treats. Infused with rich pumpkin puree and a warm blend of cinnamon, these bars are a true celebration of fall flavors. Each bite offers a comforting taste, elevated by a generous layer of luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, preparing for Thanksgiving, or simply craving a cozy afternoon snack, these pumpkin bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience – a warm hug on a plate that captures the very essence of autumn. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a flawless batch every time, making you a baking hero without the fuss.

Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe! You can usually find a save button or heart icon on the right-hand side of your screen or directly on the recipe card below.

Why You Will Love These Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a beloved fall staple that brings joy and comfort with every bite. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe:

**Effortlessly Simple Ingredients:** You’ll be delighted to find that most of the ingredients needed for these pumpkin bars are likely already in your pantry. With just a few basic staples, you can whip up this impressive dessert without an extra trip to the grocery store.
**Unforgettable Fall Flavors:** If you’re a true pumpkin enthusiast, prepare to fall in love. The rich, authentic pumpkin flavor beautifully marries with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, creating a taste that embodies everything wonderful about autumn.
**Perfect Harmony of Flavors:** The earthy, subtly sweet notes of the pumpkin cake are perfectly balanced by the bright, tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. This delightful contrast creates a harmonious flavor profile that makes for an incredibly satisfying and easy dessert.
**Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile:** From casual family dinners to elegant holiday feasts, these bars are always a welcomed addition. They’re easy to transport, serve, and are universally loved by guests of all ages.
**Visually Appealing:** With their inviting golden-orange hue and a smooth, creamy white frosting, these bars are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. They add a festive touch to any dessert spread.

Get ready to witness how quickly this recipe comes together, yielding bars with a glowing orange color and a melt-in-your-mouth soft crumb that will have everyone asking for more!

Essential Ingredients for Moist Pumpkin Bars

Creating the perfect pumpkin bar requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that moist texture and rich flavor we all crave. Below is an overview of what you’ll need. You’ll find the complete measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Ingredient Notes and Variations for Optimal Flavor and Texture

**Pumpkin Puree:** The star of the show! It’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, whether store-bought or homemade. **Absolutely avoid pumpkin pie filling**, as it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your bars. Pumpkin puree provides natural moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
**Large Eggs:** Eggs are essential binders, helping to hold the batter together and contributing to the moist, tender crumb of the bars. They also add richness to the overall flavor. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients.
**Granulated Sugar:** Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the earthy pumpkin and warm spices. It also helps in achieving that beautiful golden crust.
**Vegetable Oil:** This is key to making these bars incredibly moist and tender. Vegetable oil, or other neutral-tasting oils like canola oil, keeps the bars from drying out and creates a finer crumb. You can also use melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor, though oil typically yields a moister product.
**All-Purpose Flour:** The structural foundation of our pumpkin bars. All-purpose flour gives the bars their shape and prevents them from becoming too dense. Measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
**Baking Powder:** Our primary leavening agent. Baking powder reacts when wet and with heat, causing the bars to rise and become light and fluffy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
**Ground Cinnamon:** Provides that classic warm and cozy spice that pairs so wonderfully with pumpkin. It enhances the overall autumnal flavor.
**Cream Cheese (for frosting):** The undeniable hero of the frosting! Full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, provides a creamy texture and a delightful tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the bars.
**Unsalted Butter (for frosting):** Also softened to room temperature, unsalted butter contributes to the rich, smooth, and spreadable texture of the frosting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content.
**Powdered Sugar (for frosting):** Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar dissolves easily to create a smooth, lump-free frosting. It adds sweetness and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
**Vanilla Extract (for frosting):** A touch of good quality vanilla extract adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the cream cheese frosting, enhancing its richness and aroma.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Making these delicious pumpkin bars is simpler than you might think! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect batch every time. Remember, the full, detailed recipe can be found in the printable recipe card below.

**Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan for clean slicing. Lightly grease the parchment paper for extra non-stick insurance.
**Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the pumpkin puree, large eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and a uniform orange color. This ensures all the wet ingredients are evenly distributed.
**Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agent and spices. Then, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined. **Do not overmix!** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense bars instead of soft, moist ones. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
**Bake to Golden Perfection:** Pour the pumpkin bar batter evenly into your prepared 13×9 inch baking pan. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they are ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your bars.
**Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is vital. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melted, runny frosting mess. Patience is key here!
**Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:** While the bars are cooling, make your luscious cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, using either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely creamy with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
**Gradually Add Powdered Sugar:** With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is incredibly fluffy, smooth, and spreadable.
**Frost and Serve:** Once the pumpkin bars are entirely cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to generously spread the creamy, rich cream cheese frosting over the entire surface of the cake. Slice into squares and serve these delightful pumpkin bars immediately!

Variations to Make These Pumpkin Bars Your Own

While the classic pumpkin bar with cream cheese frosting is undeniably delicious, there are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or occasion. Get creative and make them uniquely yours!

**Frosting Fantasies:** Not a fan of traditional cream cheese frosting? You can easily swap it for a classic vanilla buttercream, or for a simpler touch, dust the cooled bars with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar. A chocolate ganache topping could also add a decadent twist.
**Chocolate Lover’s Dream:** For those who believe chocolate makes everything better, fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin bar batter just before spreading it into the pan. Dark chocolate chips will add a delightful bitterness, while milk chocolate chips will provide extra sweetness.
**Spice It Up:** Elevate the warm spice profile by swapping out the ground cinnamon for an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, offering an even deeper, more complex autumnal flavor. You could also add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for an extra aromatic kick.
**Nutty Goodness:** For added texture and a nutty flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter. Alternatively, sprinkle them on top of the frosting for a beautiful garnish and a delightful crunch.
**Zesty Brightness:** Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the pumpkin bar batter or the cream cheese frosting for a subtle citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor.
**Streusel Topping:** For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, prepare a simple streusel topping (made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon) and sprinkle it over the batter before baking. This creates a wonderful crumbly top.
**Caramel Drizzle:** After frosting, drizzle the bars with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence and sweetness.

More Fall Dessert Recipes You Will Love

If you’re eager to explore more pumpkin dessert recipes to delight your family and friends this fall season, you’re in luck! After trying these pumpkin bars, be sure to give some of these equally delicious options a try:

**Pumpkin Bundt Cake With Cream Cheese:** A showstopping cake that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful, perfect for a festive table.
**Chocolate Pumpkin Cake:** The ultimate combination of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin, creating a surprisingly harmonious and decadent treat.
**Pumpkin Pie With Phyllo Crust:** A lighter, crispier take on the classic pumpkin pie, offering a unique textural experience.
**Sweet Potato Pie:** A Southern classic that offers a different but equally comforting fall flavor profile.
**Apple Crisp with Oat Topping:** For those who love the combination of warm apples and a crunchy, buttery topping.

Each of these recipes is designed to be incredibly delicious and will add a wonderful variety to your fall baking repertoire.

Expert Tips for Flawless Pumpkin Bars

Achieving perfectly moist and flavorful pumpkin bars is easy with a few simple techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your baking success:

**Don’t Overmix the Batter:** This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any cake or bar recipe. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense, tough bars rather than light and tender ones. A few lumps are fine!
**Proper Pan Preparation is Key:** Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is a game-changer. It not only makes for effortless removal of the entire baked cake from the pan but also allows for clean, precise slices once cooled. Leave an overhang on the sides of the pan to create convenient lifting “handles.”
**Avoid Overbaking:** Pumpkin bars can go from perfectly moist to dry very quickly if left in the oven too long. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum bake time. The toothpick test (inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs) is your best friend here.
**Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting:** Ensure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are properly softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This allows them to cream together smoothly without lumps, resulting in a perfectly silky and fluffy frosting.
**Cool Completely Before Frosting:** As mentioned in the instructions, patience is essential. Frosting warm bars will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide right off, creating a runny mess. Ensure the bars are completely cool to the touch before you even think about spreading that luscious frosting.
**Accurate Ingredient Measurement:** Especially for flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can lead to dry bars.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Pumpkin Bar Queries Answered

Do bars with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the dairy content in the cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars absolutely must be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. Always keep them chilled.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree will lend an even fresher flavor to your bars. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from homemade puree before using it, as it tends to be wetter than canned varieties. This will prevent your bars from becoming too soggy.

What if my cream cheese frosting is too runny or too stiff?

If your frosting is too runny, it’s likely due to using warm butter or cream cheese, or not enough powdered sugar. You can try chilling it for 15-20 minutes, then re-whipping. If still too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny bit of milk or cream (½ teaspoon at a time) and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often successfully substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for a gluten-free version. Results may vary slightly in texture, but many bakers have success with this substitution.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars

Proper storage is essential to keep your pumpkin bars fresh and delicious, especially given the cream cheese frosting.

**Refrigerate:** Store any leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
**Freeze for Longer Enjoyment:** These bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, I recommend slicing the cooled bars into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw individual bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a quicker treat.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Baking

One of the many wonderful aspects of these easy pumpkin bars is that they are perfect for making ahead of time. This makes them an ideal choice for holiday entertaining or busy weeks when you want a delicious treat ready to go.

Feel free to bake and frost these pumpkin bars up to 24-48 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Making them ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even more delicious bar.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pumpkin Bars

While these pumpkin bars are a magnificent dessert all on their own, they also make a fantastic complement to a variety of fall meals and beverages. They truly shine as part of a festive spread.

**Holiday Meal Delight:** I especially love to serve these bars as part of our favorite fall and holiday meals. They pair wonderfully with a savory main course like Juicy Roast Turkey Breast or an Air Fryer Turkey Breast. The sweet, spiced notes of the bars offer a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving or autumn feast.
**Comforting Side Dishes:** Serve alongside comforting side dishes such as Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole or a classic green bean casserole. The balance of sweet and savory creates an unforgettable dining experience.
**Coffee or Tea:** For a cozy afternoon treat, pair a slice of pumpkin bar with a warm cup of coffee, a spiced chai latte, or your favorite herbal tea.
**Hot Cider:** A mug of warm apple cider, spiced with cinnamon sticks, is another fantastic beverage pairing that enhances the autumnal theme.
**Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:** For an extra decadent dessert, serve a warm slice of pumpkin bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

My entire family, even those who aren’t usually big pumpkin fans, absolutely adored this recipe. The soft texture and balanced flavors won them over instantly. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below – are you a pumpkin fan, or does this recipe convert you?

If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

A zoom in image on a pumokin bar on a white plate with cream cheese frosting.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin infused cake-like bars topped with the most delicious tangy cream cheese frosting. A crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for fall entertaining.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 Servings

Calories: 357 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars:

1 can pumpkin puree (15oz)
4 large eggs
1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil (or any light tasting oil like canola)
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Pumpkin Bars:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and oil until combined.
Mix in flour, cinnamon, and baking powder until all flour disappears. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the middle of your oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Let the pumpkin bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer, beat softened butter, vanilla extract, and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and creamy.
Spread this rich cream cheese frosting generously over the completely cooled pumpkin bars and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later! Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!