Dreamy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up these delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy autumn blanket of flavors.

Seasonal spices dance through every soft, moist bite.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with nostalgia.

Rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy pumpkin base.

Subtle hints of vanilla enhance the dessert’s complex profile.

Each square promises a delightful balance between dense cake and silky topping.

Let’s dive into this irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall in one perfect bite.

Why These Pumpkin Bars Are a Fall Favorite

• Celebrate Autumn's Flavor Burst: Dive into a delectable dessert that captures the essence of fall with rich pumpkin and warm spices, creating a mouthwatering treat that screams seasonal comfort.
• Master Baking with Minimal Effort: Navigate this recipe with ease, requiring basic mixing skills and simple ingredients that come together quickly, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Showstopper: Impress friends and family with a dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary expertise, guaranteed to become a requested favorite at gatherings and potlucks.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Turn everyday pantry staples into an extraordinary dessert that elevates simple baking into a delightful culinary experience, proving that great recipes don't need complicated techniques.

Ingredient List for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy vegetable base that provides moisture and rich autumn flavor to the bars.
• Flour: The structural foundation that gives the bars their cake-like texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender and moist crumb in the pumpkin bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, golden texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar's structure.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Salt, Baking Soda: These dry ingredients provide warm seasonal flavor and help the bars rise and develop a balanced taste.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cream cheese frosting.
• Pecans, Ground Cinnamon: Offer a crunchy texture and additional warm spice to complete the topping.

How to Make These Creamy Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the entire surface with a bit of overhang for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend until the ingredients are completely combined and light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir carefully to form a uniform batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick comes out clean and the edges start pulling away from the pan.

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This takes about an hour.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Blend until creamy and well mixed.

Step 9: Finish the Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the frosting becomes smooth and easy to spread.

Step 10: Frost the Bars

Once the bars are totally cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top.

Step 11: Add Finishing Touches

• Chopped pecans
• Ground cinnamon

This adds extra crunch and flavor.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting. Lift out the bars using the parchment paper and slice into delightful squares. Serve and savor!

Top Tips for Baking Pumpkin Bars Right

• Perfectly Prep Parchment Paper: Line the baking pan completely with parchment paper, creating slight overhangs to make lifting and removing bars effortless after baking.
• Prevent Overmixing Mishaps: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, light texture in your pumpkin bars.
• Toothpick Test Triumph: Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean, indicating perfectly baked bars without raw batter.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the frosted bars for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure neat, crisp edges and help the cream cheese frosting set beautifully.

Festive Spins on Pumpkin Bars

• Maple Walnut Pumpkin Bars: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Fold 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking, creating a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spiced Rum Pumpkin Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of dark rum to the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice for a sophisticated adult version.

What Goes Well with Pumpkin Bars

• Spice Up the Pairing: Warm chai tea complements the pumpkin bars' sweet and spicy profile, echoing the recipe's pumpkin pie spice notes and creating a cozy autumn flavor experience.
• Creamy Companion: Vanilla bean latte balances the cream cheese frosting's richness, offering a smooth coffee undertone that enhances the dessert's creamy texture and warmth.
• Nutty Sidekick: Caramel apple cider highlights the pecans' crunch, providing a complementary fruity sweetness that matches the pumpkin bars' seasonal character and adds depth to each bite.
• Dessert Wine Match: Late harvest Riesling brings gentle sweetness and subtle acidity that cuts through the cream cheese frosting's richness while harmonizing with the pumpkin's earthy undertones.

Keep Pumpkin Bars Fresh and Flavorful

• Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, preserving them for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Keep frosted bars at cool room temperature for 2-3 hours if serving during a gathering, but return to refrigeration afterward to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Place uncut bars in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring they remain protected from air and moisture for maximum freshness.

Pumpkin Bars FAQ for Seasonal Bakers

• Are these pumpkin bars healthy?

While delicious, these bars are a dessert with sugar and butter. They contain pumpkin, which offers some nutritional benefits like vitamin A and fiber, but they’re still a treat to enjoy in moderation.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• Why do I need to mix wet and dry ingredients separately?

Mixing separately prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of ingredients. This technique helps create a smoother, more consistent batter with better overall texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No special equipment is required.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting promise a delightful autumn experience, blending warm spices and rich textures into one irresistible dessert. Each bite delivers comfort and sweetness that connects you to cherished fall memories.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and aerated.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
5. Transfer the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a consistent layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and well incorporated.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
10. Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
11. Sprinkle chopped pecans and ground cinnamon over the frosted bars for added texture and flavor.
12. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares.

Notes

• Swap out vegetable oil for healthier alternatives like coconut oil or applesauce to reduce overall fat content and add subtle flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the bars maintain their soft, tender texture without compromising taste.
• Reduce sugar by replacing half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more aromatic topping that elevates the entire dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg