Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Craving a fall-inspired treat that’s both comforting and indulgent? These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy, tangy frosting!

Imagine soft, moist pumpkin bars filled with warm spices, topped with a smooth, rich cream cheese frosting. The sweetness of the frosting perfectly balances the earthy, spiced pumpkin, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist.

These pumpkin bars are the ultimate comfort dessert—perfect for cozy autumn days, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a little indulgence. The combination of flavors is a true seasonal favorite!

Ready to bake these irresistible pumpkin bars? Let’s get started and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the kind of dessert that disappears first at every party.
• Soft and Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin and oil, every bite is tender without being heavy.
• Simple to Make: No mixer needed for the batter — just stir and bake.
• Balanced Sweetness: The cake is lightly sweet, so the rich frosting doesn’t overwhelm.
• Great for Make-Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day after chilling.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cool Time (before frosting): 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours (including frosting and cooling)

Servings:
Makes 20 bars, depending on how you slice them.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No special techniques or equipment required.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer (for frosting)
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Offset spatula or knife for spreading frosting

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars are all about the blend of cozy spices and creamy topping. Here’s what you’ll need (exact amounts in the recipe card):

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the bars.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
• Baking Powder + Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
• Canned Pumpkin: Not pumpkin pie filling — just pure pumpkin for best texture and taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering.
• Canola Oil: Keeps the bars super moist.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything and give structure.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Salted Butter: Room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: For that classic frosting sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Slightly chilled, cut into cubes for easy blending.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: Keeps the frosting from being too sweet.

Variations for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Switch the Spices: Try pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon for a more layered flavor.
• Add a Maple Twist: Mix a tablespoon of maple syrup into the frosting for a fall-inspired upgrade.
• Use Brown Sugar: Swap half the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk:

• 15 ounces canned pumpkin
• 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 4 large eggs

Whisk until fully smooth and combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool

Place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely — about 1 hour — before adding frosting. The surface should feel cool to the touch.

Serving and Decoration

Once the bars are fully cooled, use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a clean look, you can trim the edges before slicing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars

• As-Is: Simply slice into squares or rectangles and serve on a plate.
• Add Garnish: Light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped pecans sprinkled on top adds a pretty touch.
• For Special Occasions: Pipe a swirl of frosting on each bar for a fancier look.

These bars are soft and a little sticky, so use a clean, sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat slices.

Storing Pumpkin Bars

• Refrigerator: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer (Unfrosted): You can freeze the bars (without frosting) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t skip cooling: Warm bars will melt your frosting, making a mess.
• Use canned pumpkin, not pie filling: Pie filling has added sugar and spices that throw off the flavor.
• Soft butter + chilled cream cheese = best frosting: This combo gives structure and smoothness.
• Don’t overbake: Check doneness early. Overbaked bars can turn dry.
• Cut clean: Wipe your knife with a damp paper towel between cuts for sharp, clean edges.

Nutrition (per serving – based on 20 bars)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	3g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	4.5g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	210mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	24g
Vitamin A	95% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	6% DV

Pumpkin Bars FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure it’s pureed smooth and not too watery.

Can I use butter instead of oil?
You can, but the texture may be a bit denser. Oil helps keep the bars ultra moist.

Can I make these a day ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor gets even better the next day.

How long will the frosting hold up?
It holds well for several days in the fridge. Just keep bars covered.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the kind of cozy dessert that brings people back for seconds. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a creamy layer that ties it all together. Whether it’s fall or you’re just craving something comforting, this recipe is a no-fail treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love.