If you’re looking for the dessert that bridges cozy autumn comfort and irresistible bakery charm, you have to try these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This is that one recipe friends ask you for, year after year: soft, spiced bars loaded with pumpkin flavor, then slathered in a dreamy, tangy layer of sweet cream cheese frosting. From potlucks to Thanksgiving, these bars deliver crowd-pleasing nostalgia in every fluffy bite—trust me, you’ll crave them from the very first slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient on this list isn’t just there for color—every item adds something special to these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, from keeping the bars tender, to giving them that irresistible autumn aroma, to creating that luscious topping.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and soft without weighing them down.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the bars bake up with a delicate crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds warmth and chewiness thanks to its extra molasses.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together for a perfectly structured bar.
- Pumpkin purée: The star—lends gorgeous color, loads of moisture, and deep pumpkin flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bars their soft, sturdy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise to airy heights.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for even lift and tenderness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses that signature autumn spice everyone loves.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet, spice, and richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the classic frosting—tangy and rich.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds extra creaminess and a touch of luxury to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves into the frosting for a perfectly smooth, sweet finish.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, fragrant warmth.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, and then grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. A generous layer of nonstick spray or butter ensures your bars release easily—nobody wants stuck corners!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and almost glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the pumpkin purée until everything is beautifully combined—don’t be afraid to marvel at the rich orange color for a second.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the spices and leaveners, so every bite of your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so use a gentle hand—stop as soon as it’s combined and you see that gorgeous velvety batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick in the center comes out clean, and your kitchen smells like autumn magic.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before frosting them. Patience is key here—the cream cheese frosting won’t spread nicely on warm bars, so circle the pan a few times while you wait or go ahead and make the frosting!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until your frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Serve
When the bars are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, swirling it with a spatula. Slice your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting into squares—20 is perfect for a crowd, or you can go larger if you feel extra indulgent.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a dusting of powdered sugar over the frosting before serving. These little touches add a bit of crunch and color, making the bars as beautiful as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
Since Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are on the sweet and creamy side, they pair well with hot coffee, spiced chai, or herbal tea. If you’re serving them at a larger get-together, a selection of crisp apple slices or fresh berries offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For something special, cut your bars into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter, or use cookie cutters for festive shapes. You can even layer them in small jars with extra frosting for an adorable, portable treat—think pumpkin “bar” parfaits that will wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and luscious for up to 5 days, making them a superb make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or holiday feasts.
Freezing
If you want to make these even further in advance, you can freeze the bars (unfrosted or frosted) in an airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost if you haven’t already.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel, let chilled bars come to room temperature before serving. If you’ve frozen them, a brief rest at room temp will make the frosting creamy and perfect again—no microwave needed!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade purée is smooth and not too watery, as extra moisture can affect the texture of your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
What can I use if I don’t have nutmeg?
No worries—just add a touch more cinnamon or a dash of ground ginger or allspice in its place. Each will give your bars a slightly different but still lovely autumn flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free verified. These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out beautifully with most blends.
Is it okay to make the frosting in advance?
Definitely. Whip up your cream cheese frosting a day or two ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before spreading over your cooled bars.
Why did my bars turn out dense or gummy?
This usually happens if the batter is over-mixed, or if the bars weren’t baked long enough. Next time, mix just until combined and double-check with a toothpick test for perfect Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about that first bite of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—soft, warmly spiced cake meets tangy-sweet topping in the best way. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, this recipe is pure autumn joy. Give it a try and let your home be filled with the scents and smiles of the season!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin Bars topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin purée.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Frost Bars: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can sprinkle chopped pecans or cinnamon over the frosting for extra flavor.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
