Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing – Fall Favorite Treat
Fall is here, and nothing says autumn comfort like soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with rich cream cheese icing! These irresistible treats combine warm spices with velvety pumpkin puree, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Did you know that pumpkin bars were first popularized in the 1970s as a sheet cake alternative to pumpkin pie?
These bars are incredibly easy to make, taking just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy families and holiday gatherings. Unlike our popular apple cinnamon bars, these pumpkin bars stay moist for days and feed a crowd effortlessly. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite autumn dessert!
What is Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing?
Ever wondered why these delightful treats are called “bars” instead of cake? Well, it’s simple – they’re baked in a sheet pan and cut into perfect handheld squares! These aren’t your grandmother’s pumpkin pie (though she’d probably approve).
Think of them as the love child between pumpkin pie and spice cake, topped with clouds of tangy pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars definitely pave that path with autumn spice and creamy sweetness. Ready to become the neighborhood’s favorite baker? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful These pumpkin bars deliver an explosion of warm autumn spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – that dance perfectly with the rich pumpkin flavor. The texture is impossibly moist and tender, thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil combination that keeps every bite soft and satisfying.
Budget-Friendly Family Favorite Making these bars at home costs a fraction of bakery prices while serving up to 24 people! With pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that rivals expensive bakery treats without breaking the bank.
That Irresistible Cream Cheese Icing The star of the show is the velvety pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth. It’s perfectly balanced – not too sweet, with just enough tang to complement the spiced pumpkin base. Unlike our chocolate chip bars, these stay fresh and delicious for days, making them perfect for meal prep or gift-giving.
Ready to create bakery-quality pumpkin bars in your own kitchen? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Quick Overview
These pumpkin bars are a baker’s dream – simple ingredients, one-bowl mixing, and foolproof results every time! The secret lies in the perfect spice blend and the addition of pumpkin puree, which creates incredibly moist bars with rich autumn flavor. The cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch with its smooth, tangy sweetness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 24 bars
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper. This size is crucial for the perfect bar thickness!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. This ensures even spice distribution throughout your bars.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Gradually add oil and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
Step 4: Create the Batter Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your bars tender!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The top should spring back when lightly touched.
Step 6: Cool Completely Let bars cool completely in the pan before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures clean cuts.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing Beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Ice and Serve Spread icing evenly over cooled bars. Cut into 24 squares and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
What to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing With
Hot Beverages: Pair these bars with spiced chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or classic hot chocolate for the ultimate autumn experience.
Coffee Pairings: The spiced flavors complement medium roast coffee beautifully, while the cream cheese icing balances espresso’s boldness.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for fall dinner parties.
Fresh Fruits: Apple slices, pear wedges, or orange segments add a fresh contrast to the rich, spiced bars.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Use Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure eggs and oil are at room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be lumpy and affect the final texture.
Don’t Overbake Check doneness at 25 minutes. Overbaked bars will be dry. The toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Perfect Icing Consistency Beat cream cheese and butter for a full 3 minutes to eliminate lumps. If icing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Ingredient Substitutions Replace oil with melted butter for richer flavor, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Maple syrup can substitute 1/2 cup of sugar for deeper flavor.
Spice Adjustments Love extra spice? Add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger or cardamom. For milder bars, reduce cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage Store covered bars at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cream cheese icing stays fresh without refrigeration for this period.
Refrigerator Storage For longer storage, refrigerate covered bars for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Freezing Instructions Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before icing. Frosted bars can be frozen for up to 1 month – wrap individually for easy serving.
Reheating Tips These bars are best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, let them sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Bar (1/24 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Use 1 cup of fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it’s well-drained to prevent soggy bars. Roast and puree your own pumpkin for the freshest flavor.
Why are my pumpkin bars soggy?
Soggy bars usually result from underbaking or too much moisture. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day. Make them up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature.
How do I prevent the icing from being too runny?
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened, not melted. Beat for the full 3 minutes, and add powdered sugar gradually until you reach the perfect consistency.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need two jelly roll pans. Don’t try to bake in a larger pan as the bars won’t cook evenly.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is just pumpkin with no added spices or sugar. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners that will throw off your recipe’s balance.
Pro Baker Secrets
The Perfect Pan Size Matters Using the exact 15x10x1-inch pan ensures the ideal thickness. Too small and bars will be thick and gooey; too large and they’ll be thin and dry.
Spice Blend Storage Mix extra spice blend and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. This makes future batches even quicker to prepare!
Testing for Doneness Besides the toothpick test, gently press the center of the bars. They should spring back slightly but not leave an indent.
Gift-Giving Tips Cut bars and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in decorative tins. They make perfect hostess gifts or bake sale items that always sell out first!
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing are more than just a recipe – they’re your ticket to autumn baking success. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating your family to something special, these bars deliver every time. The combination of warm spices, moist pumpkin flavor, and that irresistible cream cheese icing creates a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.
