Fluffy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sinking your teeth into a delectable pumpkin bars creation that dances with creamy, rich frosting.

Autumn’s warmth whispers through each soft, spiced bite of these irresistible treats.

Cozy memories flood back as the fragrant spices mingle with sweet cream cheese.

Seasonal comfort wraps around you like a soft blanket of pure deliciousness.

Baking these bars becomes an experience that transforms your kitchen into a haven of happiness.

Simple ingredients blend into a dessert that promises to delight every palate.

Watch as friends and family clamor for seconds of this mouthwatering seasonal sensation.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these incredible pumpkin bars.

How To Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re silky smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix – you want the batter to be just combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Create Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting is light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the pumpkin squares are completely cool, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting across the top. Slice into squares and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Tips For Moist Pumpkin Bars With Smooth Frosting

• Prevent Dry Bars: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the pumpkin bars moist and tender, as excessive mixing can develop gluten and lead to a tough texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger according to your taste preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier alternative, or use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Perfect Frosting Technique: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily on cooled pumpkin bars.
• Storage Smart: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

How To Store Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fresh texture. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying.
• Serve: Cream cheese frosting is best when slightly chilled, so keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve for the most delicious taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings With Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Brew a Warm Companion: Pair these pumpkin bars with a steaming mug of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte. The spicy, aromatic notes perfectly complement the warm autumn flavors of the bars.
• Sip a Sweet Sidekick: Enjoy a glass of cold milk or a creamy hot chocolate alongside these dessert bars. The rich, smooth beverages balance the spiced pumpkin and tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Create a Dessert Duo: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy additions enhance the texture and bring out the dessert's subtle spice profile.
• Match with Nutty Notes: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosted bars. Their crunchy texture and earthy flavor create a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet pumpkin bars.

Fun Twists On Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Autumn Spice Swap: Replace traditional spices with cardamom, allspice, and cloves for a deeper, warmer flavor profile that elevates the classic pumpkin bar experience.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking, then sprinkle additional toasted nuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for extra texture and richness.
• Chocolate Drizzle Option: After frosting the bars, create a chocolate ganache by melting dark chocolate with heavy cream, then drizzle the glossy mixture in zigzag patterns across the cream cheese surface.
• Maple Glaze Remix: Substitute part of the powdered sugar in the frosting with pure maple syrup, creating a more complex sweetness that complements the pumpkin's earthy undertones.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs You’ll Love

• What makes these pumpkin bars different from pumpkin pie?

These bars are more cake-like and easier to serve, with a softer texture and simpler preparation compared to traditional pumpkin pie. They’re perfect for casual gatherings and don’t require a pie crust.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the right consistency and texture of the bars.

• How do I know when the pumpkin bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry and less tender.

• Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the bars tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.

Why Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Are Always A Fall Favorite

• Savor Autumn's Flavors: These pumpkin bars capture the essence of fall with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that dance on your taste buds.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking: Simple one-bowl mixing method makes this recipe incredibly easy, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: The luxurious cream cheese frosting provides a rich, tangy contrast to the moist, tender pumpkin cake base, creating a heavenly texture combination that melts in your mouth.
• Whip Up Quick Dessert Bliss: Ready in under an hour, these bars are a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings, making them a go-to treat for busy home bakers.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Vegetable Oil: Light carrier of moisture and soft texture in the bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base with deep caramel undertones, helps with browning.
• Pumpkin Puree: Authentic fall flavor and natural moisture provider.
• Eggs: Binding agent that creates structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm aromatic enhancer for overall flavor complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure and foundation for the bars.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents for light and soft texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spice blend for classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.
• Salt: Flavor balancer and enhancer.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy, rich base for smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetener and thickening agent for frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Subtle flavor complement to cream cheese.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Autumn whispers through these heavenly pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, a delightful dessert that embodies seasonal comfort. Spiced with warmth and topped with silky frosting, you’ll savor each rich, moist bite of this classic fall treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13-inch pan with a light coating of grease or a parchment paper lining.
2. Create the pumpkin base by whisking together vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
3. In a separate container, thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, along with a pinch of salt.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to maintain a tender texture. Avoid aggressive mixing to preserve the bars’ delicate structure.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any clinging batter.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, giving the texture time to set and stabilize.
8. While cooling, craft the luxurious cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until they form a smooth, creamy consistency.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
10. Once the pumpkin bars have reached room temperature, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
11. Slice into squares and serve, revealing the moist, spice-infused layers beneath the creamy topping.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier, lower-fat version that keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these bars completely gluten-free without compromising the delicious texture and taste.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a more complex, warming flavor that complements the pumpkin.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before serving to help the cream cheese frosting set and create a more stable, clean-cut presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg