Hey y’all! If you’re craving a perfectly moist, spiced fall treat that brings everyone to the kitchen, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting will hit the spot. They're ideal for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or potlucks—each bite is fluffy, warmly spiced, and crowned with dreamy, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Unbelievably soft and moist thanks to real pumpkin puree.
- Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
- Cream cheese frosting brings a luscious tangy balance to the sweet, spicy bars.
- Simple, everyday pantry ingredients—no fancy equipment needed!
- Makes enough to share or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk sugar and oil until smooth. Add eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine & Bake
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing gently until just combined—don’t overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 5: Cool & Frost
Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While cooling, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting over cooled bars. For clean slices, chill for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix. Learn the difference here.
- If you don’t have parchment, greasing and flouring the pan works fine for easy release.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth frosting—find out how to soften butter quickly.
Variations for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Chocolate Pumpkin Bars: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
Required Equipment for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for frosting)
- Measuring cups & spoons
Storage Instructions for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Store the frosted pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months (wrap well), then frost after thawing.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea for cozy fall vibes.
- Add a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra flair.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter with other pumpkin treats for gatherings.
Pro Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the bars tender.
- Use high-quality cinnamon and spices for the richest flavor—consider toasting them first for added depth.
- For ultra-smooth frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing. Visit this cream cheese frosting tutorial for more expert advice.
FAQ: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade puree is well-drained and not too watery for the best texture.
How do I prevent cream cheese frosting from being runny?
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, and add more powdered sugar if needed for thickness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and frost the bars up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
2In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
-
3Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
-
4Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
-
5For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
-
6Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!