Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Oh, I just have to tell you about my absolute favorite fall treat: this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that instantly makes your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn afternoon. What makes these pumpkin bars stand out is how moist and rich they are, thanks to the perfect balance of pumpkin puree and spices. And the cream cheese frosting? It’s dreamily smooth, tangy, and just sweet enough to take these bars to the next level.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weeknight dessert, or even a casual coffee meetup, these bars fit right in. I love whipping up a batch when I want something approachable but impressive—trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’ll become your go-to fall recipe too. Plus, it’s fairly easy, which means you don’t have to be a baking pro to nail it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a key role. I especially love the blend of spices—it’s what turns simple pumpkin into that iconic fall flavor we all crave. Make sure to grab fresh pumpkin puree and sift your powdered sugar for the best results in the frosting.

• Eggs: Helps hold everything together and gives the bars a lovely structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural earthiness of pumpkin with a bit of sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars incredibly moist; I also use avocado oil sometimes for a mild flavor twist.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm depth and rounds out the flavors.
• All-purpose Flour: Forms the base; measuring correctly is key for perfect texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents make the bars tender and light.
• Ground Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: The aromatic duo that gives these bars their signature flavor.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the sweet and spicy notes in the bars.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting—softened for smooth blending and tangy sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness to the frosting; softened to easy spread.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting—sifting it makes all the difference for smoothness.

Variations

I love that this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is so easy to tweak based on your tastes or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few variations to keep things fun and occasionally healthier.

• Swap the Oil: Once, I replaced vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist, and it was deliciously moist.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve tried using a gluten-free flour blend with good results—just watch the baking time carefully.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the spices can really deepen the flavor for spice lovers.
• Frosting Alternatives: For a lighter option, I sometimes skip the cream cheese and dust the bars with cinnamon sugar instead; your call!

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This mixture should look smooth and uniform—no streaks of egg or oil. I learned early on that you don’t want to overbeat the eggs here, just enough to bring everything together.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. This step is important to evenly distribute the leavening and spice powders. If you skip this, you’ll find some bites too spicy or others flat, which isn’t what you want. Once mixed, gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet pumpkin mixture. Avoid over-mixing here; a few lumps are okay as they’ll bake out and keep the bars tender.

Step 3: Bake Those Bars

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. The best trick I found is to check with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bars are done. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting; otherwise, your frosting might melt and get runny.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the consistency you want. Personally, I love my frosting on the thicker side so it holds up when spread but is still silky. Spread evenly on the cooled pumpkin bars, slice, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting for a pretty finish and an extra hint of spice. Sometimes, I crush a few toasted pecans or walnuts and lightly sprinkle them for added texture—my family always cheers when I do this! If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars are sweet and flavorful enough to stand on their own, but if you’re serving a crowd, I like pairing them with a warm apple cider or a creamy chai latte. For a brunch spread, simple fresh fruit salad or yogurt works well to keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve tried cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and serving them on a pretty platter with decorative leaves or mini pumpkins around. Another time, I stacked two bars with frosting in between to create mini cakes; it was a fun surprise at a party! Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and tying with ribbon makes great gifts too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I normally cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge. These bars keep well for about 3 days, still tasting fresh and moist—perfect for snacking without having to bake again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen frosted pumpkin bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They keep for up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge, and they taste almost like fresh-baked. It’s a fantastic way to prep ahead for the holidays!

Reheating

I usually recommend letting the bars come to room temperature naturally. If you want them warm, heating a single slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds works great—but be careful not to overdo it or the frosting will get melty. The contrast of slightly warmed pumpkin and cool creamy frosting is honestly irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has truly become a comforting favorite in my kitchen. I love how it brings that warm fall feeling into my home without any fuss. I highly recommend you give it a try—it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll be your go-to pumpkin dessert season after season.

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