Description

These moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall treat. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, the pumpkin-infused batter bakes into soft bars topped with a rich, creamy frosting that balances tartness and sweetness. Easy to make and perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering, these bars deliver the quintessential taste of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin purée
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prepare for the batter.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until well blended.
Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating. Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Frost the bars: Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top to create a luscious finish.
Serve: Slice the frosted bars into squares and serve. Optionally, garnish with candy pumpkins or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra festive flair.

Notes

Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars moist and tender.
Use canned pumpkin purée or homemade – avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
For dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin dessert, fall recipe, autumn baking, spiced pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin bars