Irresistible Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall baking reaches new heights with these delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that promise pure comfort in every bite.

Warm spices mingle with rich pumpkin, creating a dessert that captures autumn’s essence perfectly.

Soft, moist, and generously topped with silky cream cheese frosting, these bars blend sweet and tangy flavors seamlessly.

Each square delivers a luxurious experience that feels like a warm hug on a crisp day.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that vanishes quickly from any serving plate.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these bars with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate seasonal dessert that will become your new favorite autumn indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 25

Pumpkin Bar Ingredients for a Smooth Frosted Finish

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist and tender bars with rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create golden color.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and soft moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers classic autumn flavor and natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates smooth, cohesive structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender cake-like foundation.
• Baking Soda: Helps bars rise and achieve light texture.
• Baking Powder: Supports additional rising and soft crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, traditional pumpkin spice flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle, aromatic warmth.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes bright, spicy undertone.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, luxurious frosting base.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth spreadability.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out frosting's flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for Pumpkin Bars and Frosting

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and removing lumps.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for evenly baking and cutting bars.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy removal of bars.
• Electric Mixer: Useful for creating smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate baking.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowl sides.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting bars into clean, even squares.

Baking Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Fire up the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking pan a quick spray or parchment paper hug.

• Mix the

Grab a big bowl and whirl together the wet ingredients – oil, sugars, pumpkin goodness, eggs, and vanilla – until everything looks silky smooth. In another bowl, dance together the dry ingredients, creating a flavor-packed powder.

• Create the Batter Masterpiece

Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, being careful not to beat the life out of the batter. Pour this liquid gold into your prepared pan, spreading it out like a delicious blanket.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let the happen for 25-30 minutes. Your bars are done when a toothpick comes out clean – no sticky evidence left behind. Let these beauties chill completely.

• Whip Up the Creamy Crown

Beat cream cheese and butter until they’re best friends – smooth and dreamy. Slowly introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until the frosting looks fluffy and irresistible.

• Dress Your Bars

Once cooled, lavish your pumpkin bars with that luxurious cream cheese frosting. Slice into squares and get ready for taste bud heaven.

Frosting and Flavor Tweaks for Extra Enjoyment

• Expert Tips & Delicious Variations
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for richer flavor and smoother texture, ensuring the bars stay incredibly moist and tender.
• Experiment with warm spices like cardamom or cloves to enhance the classic pumpkin pie flavor profile, creating a unique twist on traditional recipes.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.
• Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to create a plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting, adding a delightful nutty dimension to the smooth, creamy bars.

Serving Pumpkin Bars for Any Occasion

• Fall Festive Plating: Dust the pumpkin bars with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a gorgeous autumnal presentation that enhances the seasonal flavor profile.
• Holiday Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or creamy chai tea to create a cozy, comforting dessert experience that celebrates fall flavors.
• Garnish Glamour: Top each bar with a small candied pecan or maple glazed walnut to add a delightful crunch and elevate the textural experience of the sweet treat.
• Elegant Serving Style: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board or vintage serving platter with fresh seasonal berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy dessert display.

Keeping Pumpkin Bars Fresh and Frosting Firm

• Tuck these delightful bars into an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Stack carefully between parchment paper layers to prevent frosting smudges.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These tasty treats will stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready for unexpected sweet cravings.
• If serving within 24 hours, keep bars covered at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or warm spots to maintain their perfect texture and frosting stability.
• Prepare the bars and frosting separately up to 2 days in advance. Store cake and frosting separately in the refrigerator, then assemble right before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crisp edges.

FAQs

• Are pumpkin bars healthy?

While delicious, pumpkin bars are a dessert with sugar and calories. Pumpkin itself provides vitamin A and fiber, but the added sugars and cream cheese frosting make these bars a treat to enjoy in moderation.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin for canned pumpkin. Just ensure the pumpkin is well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned puree to maintain the recipe’s texture.

• How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. Avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.

• Can I freeze pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting before serving.

Mouthwatering Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delectable Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting merge autumn’s warmest spices with rich, creamy layers. Seasonal dessert perfection delivers comfort and sweet satisfaction for hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
2. Wet Mixture Fusion: Whisk together oil, sugars, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid with consistent color and texture.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, ensuring comprehensive and uniform distribution of spices and leavening agents.
4. Batter Formation: Delicately incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, using minimal stirring to maintain the batter’s tender potential, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
5. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer, then slide into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
6. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, simultaneously whipping cream cheese and butter until creamy, then gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a light, spreadable frosting.
7. Final Assembly: Once bars reach room temperature, lavishly spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface, then slice into individual squares for serving.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients, especially flour and spices, to ensure consistent texture and flavor in your pumpkin bars.
• Control Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture to prevent overmixing, which can create tough, dense bars instead of tender, soft ones.
• Check Moisture Level: Ensure pumpkin puree is not watery; drain excess liquid to maintain proper bar consistency and prevent soggy results.
• Frost Strategically: Allow bars to cool completely before applying cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and maintain a clean, smooth frosting layer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg