Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

By:

Claire

October 30, 2025

Delicious pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting

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Cozy Up with Pumpkin Bars

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting wafting through your kitchen. The rich, warm scent hits you first, a delightful blend of spices that instantly transports you to crisp autumn afternoons or festive gatherings. Imagine biting into a soft, moist bar—its subtle sweetness perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese frosting on top. These Pumpkin Bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a warm embrace, a piece of nostalgia, and a joyful reminder of the cozy moments shared with loved ones around a table.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re a go-to for holidays, a delightful snack for brunch, or an indulgent “just because” dessert. The unique combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth to every bite, while the creamy frosting adds just the right amount of richness to keep you coming back for more. Once you try these bars, they will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Bars recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a must-try at least once—and you’ll likely find yourself making it over and over again.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices is a flavor match made in heaven. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Texture Balance: These bars strike the perfect balance between tender cake-like texture and creamy frosting, leaving you satisfied but not overwhelmed.
Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be savoring these bars in no time, even if you’re a novice baker.
Nostalgic Feel: For many, these bars evoke fond memories of family gatherings and autumn celebrations, making them more than just a treat.
Versatility: Serve them warm, cold, or at room temperature—no matter how you enjoy them, they’re sure to make your day a little brighter.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your baking adventure is a delightful experience.

Ingredients

To get started on your Pumpkin Bars, here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Now, let’s talk about some key ingredients. The pumpkin puree is essential for moisture and flavor, lending a subtly sweet taste that shines in every bite. Choose pure pumpkin puree, not the spiced pumpkin pie filling, to maintain control over the flavoring. Sugar adds sweetness and moisture, while vegetable oil keeps these bars rich and tender—don’t swap it for butter here, as we want the bars to be soft. Using large eggs helps the batter rise perfectly and creates a lovely structure.

In terms of spices, cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm and rich flavors that are often associated with baking this time of year. Finally, the cream cheese in the frosting provides that iconic tangy sweet flavor, complimenting the pumpkin beautifully. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut cream can make a fantastic substitute, though it will alter the taste a bit.

Directions

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly—this will ensure the bars come out without any fuss later.

First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix them together until fully blended. You’ll notice how the sugar begins to dissolve and everything transforms into a vibrant, inviting batter.

In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is a crucial step because it helps ensure that the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed, which is key for the bars to rise properly.

Next, gradually blend the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. You can do this in batches to avoid a flour cloud! As you mix, take note of how the batter thickens; don’t worry if it looks a little dense—it’ll smooth out beautifully when baked.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top to create a uniform surface. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Here’s where the magic happens—watch for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when they’re ready.

Once they’re baked to perfection, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, the wait is worth it.

While the bars are cooling, let’s whip up that heavenly cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Now, gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until it’s well combined. The frosting should be light and fluffy, ready to spread over your cooled bars.

When the bars are completely cool, take a generous dollop of frosting and spread it evenly across the top. You can dust a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flair. Finally, grab a knife and cut them into squares—wonderful bars of pumpkin goodness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. They’re also perfect for a festive dessert spread during the holiday season.

Presentation can elevate your dish even further; on a beautiful platter, the contrasting colors of the golden bars and creamy frosting cut beautifully. Consider garnishing with some chopped nuts for an added crunch or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

They also make for a fantastic outdoor picnic snack, just be sure to keep them in a cooler if you’re headed anywhere warm!

How to Store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to store your delectable Pumpkin Bars. Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator to ensure they stay fresh. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They should last for about 4-5 days.

If you want to freeze them, it’s entirely possible too! Just cut the cooled bars into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and you can always give them a quick microwave warm-up for a freshly baked taste.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

To help you achieve the best possible outcome with your Pumpkin Bars, here are a few friendly tips:

Measure Carefully: Baking is a science! Ensure you measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense bars.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
Use Quality Cream Cheese: For the frosting, using high-quality cream cheese will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Taste as You Go: Don’t skip tasting the frosting—this is your chance to adjust the sweetness or add a pinch of salt if desired.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Pumpkin Bars! Here are some fun variations to try:

Nutty Twists: Add in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra crunch. They provide a fantastic texture contrast to the soft bars.
Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with ginger or cloves along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure!
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast and puree it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture—you want the consistency to match that of canned pumpkin.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
A good test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If the toothpick has wet batter sticking to it, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! The bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give the frosting a little stir before spreading it on top, and they’ll taste just as fresh!

What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Serve them chilled or at room temperature, either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. They also pair perfectly with a warm drink!

Wrap Up

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. Remember, baking is all about experimentation and enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. If you love these bars, save this recipe for later or share it with a friend who would also enjoy it. Here’s to cozy baking moments and the wonderful connections they create!