Name: Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust.

Craving a taste of fall in every bite? These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting deliver! Moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting – a perfect treat for any occasion. This recipe is easier than pumpkin pie and just as satisfying. Let’s bake some happiness!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour!
Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Creamy Dreamy Frosting: The perfect complement to the pumpkin spice.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the bars a day ahead and frost when ready to serve.
Irresistibly Delicious: A taste of autumn in every bite!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Simple to Make: Simpler to make than pie!

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Bars and Frosting

For the Pumpkin Bars:

1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 (15 ounce/425g) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Remember to check the dates of your spices! For maximum flavor, use fresh spices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Pumpkin Coffee Cake – A perfect pairing with your morning coffee!

Essential Equipment List

13×9 inch baking pan: Essential for baking the pumpkin bars evenly. Grease and flour it well to prevent sticking.
Large bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for the dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients.
Electric mixer: For creaming together the cream cheese and butter for the frosting. A hand mixer works too!
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring is key for baking success.
Toothpick: To check the doneness of the pumpkin bars.

Pumpkin bars topped with swirls of cream cheese frosting.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 12-16
Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable. Double the ingredients for a larger crowd.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan. This ensures the bars don’t stick and release easily. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the spices and baking soda.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and the 1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree. Mix well until everything is combined. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated for a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial! Frosting warm bars will melt and create a sticky mess. While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve. For a neater presentation, chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.

CHECK OUT: Apple Pie Crisp – Another perfect dessert for Fall!

Tips for Success with Your Pumpkin Bars

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Softened Ingredients are Key: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for the frosting to prevent lumps.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars will melt and make a mess.
Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bars are done. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Variations & Substitutions for Pumpkin Bars

Vegan Pumpkin Bars: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the batter.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Walnut Pumpkin Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
Brown Butter Frosting: Use browned butter in the frosting for a nutty, caramelized flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your experience:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or apple cider.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.
Serve as part of a fall dessert spread along with apple pie, pecan pie, and other seasonal treats.

Consider making these bars for Thanksgiving!

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Bars

While these pumpkin bars are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits! Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function. Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar. And the cream cheese frosting provides a source of calcium.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store the frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

Make sure to cool the bars completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars

How do I avoid dry pumpkin bars?

Measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time and remove the bars from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the taste and texture of the bars. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, you can halve the recipe. Use an 8×8 inch baking pan and reduce the baking time slightly.

My cream cheese frosting is too thin. What should I do?

Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can also help thicken it.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g

This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Creamy frosting swirling atop moist pumpkin bars.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore this Autumn

Craving more fall-inspired recipes? These are sure to satisfy!

Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl – A sweet and festive treat
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – The perfect breakfast or brunch option.
Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread – A warm and cozy fall treat!

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Whip up a batch tonight and share the taste of autumn with your loved ones. Let us know how they turn out – comment below!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting