There’s nothing that says fall quite like a batch of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist, tender, and beautifully spiced, these bars are a cozy treat that captures all the flavors of the season in every bite. With their luscious cream cheese topping and vibrant pumpkin color, they’re equally perfect for a casual weeknight dessert or as the star attraction at a holiday party. If you’re looking for an irresistible way to share a bit of autumn with family and friends, Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are about to become your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is that the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, but each element truly shines in the finished bars. From the aromatic spices to that dreamy cream cheese frosting, every ingredient brings something essential to the flavor, texture, or color of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the bars soft yet sturdy enough for slicing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps keep them moist.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a tender crumb and keeps the bars deliciously moist.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, giving gorgeous color, subtle earthiness, and a creamy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base, giving the bars structure and a light, cake-like consistency.
- Baking powder: Adds lift, making the bars fluffy and light.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives classic pumpkin spice warmth to every bite.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle, zingy spiciness that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg: Deepens the flavor with its unmistakable nutty aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the perfect rise and crumb.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy tang in the frosting takes these bars over the top.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and silkiness to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a classic, comforting flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and make sure to generously grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. This ensures the bars bake evenly and lift out easily, so you’ll have perfect slices every time (with minimal sticking or crumbling).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined. This sets the stage for moist and flavorful pumpkin bars.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Whisking helps distribute the spices evenly so every bite is perfectly flavored.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this helps the bars stay light and tender.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into every corner. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before you move on—this is key to easy frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the signature topping of your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, then gradually sift in the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is thick, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice into 24 bars and get ready for some very happy taste testers!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Elevate your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a few candied ginger pieces on top. These simple touches add both flavor and a touch of elegance, making every square look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
A cup of hot coffee, spicy chai tea, or even a chilled glass of apple cider pairs delightfully with these bars. For a holiday spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full fall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting look stunning stacked on a tiered dessert tray or fanned out on a rustic wooden board. Try cutting them into bite-sized squares for a party or layering alternate bars with berries for a fun dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars stay wonderfully moist for up to five days, making them a fabulous make-ahead treat.
Freezing
To freeze, place the fully cooled and frosted bars on a baking sheet to firm up, then wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to two months, perfect for when those pumpkin cravings hit!
Reheating
If you prefer your bars at room temperature, simply set them out for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate cream cheese frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting without a jelly roll pan?
Absolutely! You can use a 9×13-inch baking pan instead—just keep in mind that the bars will be a bit thicker and may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the center with a toothpick test for doneness.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully. Just be certain to drain any excess liquid so the batter doesn’t become too watery, which can affect the final texture.
Are there any nut-free options for toppings?
Definitely. Dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or a dusting of cocoa powder all make great nut-free alternatives for garnishing these bars while adding texture and visual appeal.
Can I make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
Of course! Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just double-check all other ingredient labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming runny?
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature but not overly soft, and always add the powdered sugar gradually. If your frosting is still a bit loose, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before spreading.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a tray of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—those warm spices, that cloud of sweet cream cheese, and the unmistakable taste of pumpkin in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a part of your own family’s tradition; trust me, these bars are pure pumpkin joy!
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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin Bars topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any autumn gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually until fluffy.
- Frost and serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves to the batter.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
