5 Star Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Nothing says fall quite like the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin bars baking in your oven. These incredibly moist and flavorful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect autumn treat that combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with a lusciously creamy topping.
Here’s a fun fact: pumpkin bars actually originated as a way to use up leftover pumpkin puree after carving jack-o’-lanterns! What makes these bars truly special is their cake-like texture and the perfect balance of spices that create pure autumn magic in every bite.
Unlike our popular apple crisp bars, these require no complicated techniques and come together in just one bowl. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite fall dessert!
What are Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting?
Ever wonder why we call them “bars” when they’re basically cake in disguise? These delightful treats got their name from being baked in a rectangular pan and cut into neat little squares – but don’t let the simple name fool you!
There’s an old saying that goes “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these pumpkin bars with their cloud-like cream cheese frosting are definitely the scenic route. Ready to create some autumn magic in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Irresistibly Moist and Flavorful
These pumpkin bars deliver the perfect texture – not too dense, not too light, but just right with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a symphony of fall flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy autumn afternoon.
Budget-Friendly Fall Baking
Making these pumpkin bars and cream cheese frosting at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With simple pantry staples and an affordable can of pumpkin puree, you can create 24 generous servings that will feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Heavenly Cream Cheese Frosting
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the cream cheese frosting – a silky smooth, tangy-sweet topping that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin base. Unlike our classic carrot cake bars, these feature a lighter frosting that doesn’t overpower the delicate pumpkin flavor.
Ready to bring the taste of fall to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’s guaranteed to become your new autumn tradition!
How to Make Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting
Quick Overview
These pumpkin bars are surprisingly simple to make and deliver bakery-quality results every time. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree and warm spices, creating bars that are moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings: 24 bars
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Pumpkin Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps the bars tender.
Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
Step 8: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting – this is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add more cream if needed for desired consistency.
Step 4: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using an offset spatula. Cut into squares and serve.
What to Serve Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting With
These versatile pumpkin bars and cream cheese frosting pair beautifully with various beverages and accompaniments:
Hot Beverages: Serve alongside spiced chai tea, pumpkin spice lattes, or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
Coffee Pairings: The rich flavors complement medium roast coffee perfectly, while the cream cheese frosting balances the coffee’s acidity.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream turns these bars into an elegant dessert.
Fall Gatherings: Perfect for potluck dinners, harvest parties, or Thanksgiving dessert tables alongside apple pie and pecan bars.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bars and Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredient Success Tips
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a more uniform texture. Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle or become lumpy.
Don’t skip the parchment paper – it makes removal from the pan effortless and prevents sticking.
For extra flavor depth, toast your spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to the flour mixture.
Texture and Timing Tips
Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour – this can lead to tough, dense bars instead of tender ones.
Test for doneness with a toothpick, but remember that slightly underbaked is better than overbaked for maximum moisture.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting – warm bars will melt the frosting and create a mess.
Frosting Perfection
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened but not melted for the smoothest frosting texture.
Sift your powdered sugar if it’s lumpy to prevent a grainy frosting.
Add cream gradually – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s too thin.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Store frosted bars covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration after 2 days at room temperature.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and frost before serving.
Freezing with Frosting: You can freeze frosted bars, but the texture may change slightly. Place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: These bars are best served at room temperature. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. No reheating necessary – the texture is perfect when served cool or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Use 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree. Roast pumpkin wedges at 400°F until tender, then puree until smooth. Make sure to drain excess moisture by letting it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes.
How do I know when the pumpkin bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched, and the edges may just start to pull away from the pan sides.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
For the bars themselves, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a neutral oil. For dairy-free frosting, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.
Why did my cream cheese frosting turn out lumpy?
Lumpy frosting usually results from cold cream cheese or butter. Make sure both are properly softened to room temperature before mixing. If it’s still lumpy, try warming the bowl briefly or using a hand mixer longer.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup in the bars, but this may affect the texture and moisture. The frosting needs the powdered sugar for proper consistency, so reduction isn’t recommended there.
How far in advance can I make these bars?
Make the bars up to 2 days before serving if stored at room temperature, or up to 5 days if refrigerated. For best results, frost the day you plan to serve them.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts when serving?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, or run the knife under warm water and dry it between slices for the cleanest presentation.
Expert Variations and Add-Ins
Transform your basic pumpkin bars into gourmet treats with these creative additions pumpkin bars and cream cheese frosting:
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with pure maple syrup for a seasonal twist.
Spiced Pecans: Top frosted bars with toasted, cinnamon-spiced pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Orange Zest Enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to both the bars and frosting for a bright citrus note.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted bars for an extra special presentation.
These pumpkin bars and cream cheese frosting represent everything wonderful about fall baking – they’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of warm spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet and seasonal, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible taste, but in its versatility and make-ahead potential. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings, experiment with different spice combinations, or even turn them into individual cupcakes for portion control. Most importantly, these bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite, making them the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire.
So grab that can of pumpkin puree, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some seriously delicious memories. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing, and your family and friends will be asking for this recipe long after the last crumb has disappeared. Happy baking!
