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 canned pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: September 7, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners
The rich flavor profile combines spices and sweetness for an unforgettable experience
Visually appealing with their inviting orange hue and creamy topping, they are a feast for the eyes too
Versatile enough to serve at parties or as a comforting snack at home

Everyone who tries these bars raves about how delicious they are; even my picky cousin went back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling; you’ll want control over the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the spices; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark; it adds depth and moisture to the bars.
All-Purpose Flour: For structure; sifted flour helps create a light texture in your bars.
Baking Powder: Ensure freshness for optimal rise; check expiration dates before using.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These spices bring warmth and depth; adjust according to your preference.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip it!
Eager Eggs: They bind everything together beautifully; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Adds moisture and richness; use whichever you prefer.
Cream Cheese: This is key for the frosting; let it soften before mixing for smoothness.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grittiness; sift it for an ultra-smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor in both bars and frosting; use pure vanilla if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven!: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients!: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. The fragrant aroma will already get you excited!

Combine Wet Ingredients!: In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree with granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), and eggs until smooth. This mixture should be vibrant orange – like fall in a bowl!

Blend Together!: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture while folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix – we want fluffy bars here!

Pour & Bake!: Transfer your batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean – trust me on this part!

Create That Creamy Frosting!: While your bars cool down completely on a wire rack, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.

Now that you have crafted those delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting from scratch, take a moment to bask in that glorious feeling of accomplishment! Enjoy every single bite as you share them with friends or savor them solo while binge-watching your favorite show! delicious pumpkin waffles.

You Must Know

These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat, combining warm spices and a creamy topping
Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion
The aroma of baking will fill your kitchen, making it feel like autumn all year round

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients first, then blend with wet ones for a smooth batter. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to ensure fluffy pumpkin bars.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Swapping in different spices can also make a delightful twist on this classic recipe. pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to refresh their taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and moisture balance in your bars
Avoid overmixing the batter; it can lead to dense bars instead of light and airy ones
Don’t skip chilling the cream cheese frosting; it helps achieve that perfect spreadable consistency

Baking these pumpkin bars always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen during fall. She’d whip up a batch, and we’d sneak bites before they even cooled down, giggling with frosting smudged on our faces.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin for these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?

For more inspiration, check out this cream cheese sourdough bread recipe.

Yes, canned pumpkin works well too; just ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

How do I achieve a thicker cream cheese frosting?

Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired thickness for frosting perfection.

Can these pumpkin bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze them without frosting for up to three months; thaw before serving.

Pin3

3 Shares