Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup oil; 2 eggs; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp cloves; ¼ tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of cozy autumn afternoons and holiday joy, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are simply unbeatable. Imagine soft, moist pumpkin-infused bars topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a delightful mix of warm spices and creamy sweetness that invites you to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a comforting treat, this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings warmth to any table and smiles to every face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with several white bowls and plates arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl with a white powdery ingredient, possibly flour, followed by another white bowl filled with a different flour. Below them, there are smaller white bowls containing salt, cinnamon powder, and baking powder. In the center, a white bowl contains three brown eggs, next to it is a bowl with bright orange pumpkin puree. To the right, there is a small container with a brown liquid, likely vanilla extract, and a wooden holder with a brown spice. On the bottom right is a white plate holding two thick sticks of butter and a block of cream cheese. A clear glass bowl with golden oil is placed in the middle at the bottom. The background is a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to creating these irresistible bars, and you’ll be pleased how simple the list is. Each component plays a special role—pumpkin purée adds natural moisture and vibrant color, the spices create that unmistakable fall flavor, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a dreamy richness.

1 cup pumpkin purée: The heart of the bars, bringing moisture, sweetness, and that beautiful orange hue.
1 cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin.
½ cup oil: Keeps the bars tender and moist throughout.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
1 cup flour: The sturdy base that holds the bars’ structure.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the bars a nice lift while baking.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and signature autumn spice.
½ tsp nutmeg: Provides subtle depth to the spice blend.
¼ tsp cloves: A tiny pinch for a hint of aromatic spiciness.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
8 oz cream cheese: The star of the frosting for that creamy, tangy finish.
½ cup butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grit.
1 tsp vanilla: Brings out the natural flavors in the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the pumpkin purée, sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. This is the foundation of your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—smooth, well-blended wet ingredients ensure your bars come out tender and evenly textured.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring just until combined. Overmixing could make the bars tough, so keep it gentle to maintain that soft crumb.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen will start to smell amazing—the warm spices are what make this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so memorable.

Step 4: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Let the bars cool fully in the pan. This step is crucial because spreading frosting on warm bars can cause the cream cheese layer to melt and slide off, making your dessert a little messy instead of perfectly polished.

Step 5: Prepare and Spread the Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once smooth and creamy, spread the frosting generously over the cooled pumpkin bars. This frosting is that dreamy contrast to the spiced cake beneath.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

For the best results, chill the frosted bars for a bit before slicing to get clean, neat pieces. Then, serve them up and watch people’s faces light up with pure delight. Simple, tasty, and perfect for sharing!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows close-up square pieces of carrot cake with a thick, creamy white frosting layer on top. The carrot cake layer is a warm orange-brown color with a moist texture. Small bits of grated carrot and spices are visible inside the cake. The frosting is smooth with slight swirl marks and is topped with a few light brown specks of spice, likely cinnamon or nutmeg. The cake pieces are arranged on a white marbled surface, with one piece slightly separated from the others to show its side and top clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the frosting for added crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the look and flavor in an instant.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spice with creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves or place small individual bars inside paper cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go servings. You can also stack them slightly offset for a charming layered look that invites your guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your pumpkin bars covered tightly in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then frost and serve fresh. Freezing the bars without frosting maintains texture and flavor much better.

Reheating

While these bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer warm slices, gently microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds. Avoid heating too long so the frosting stays creamy and not melted.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and ensures consistent results for the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

What if I don’t have cloves?

You can omit cloves or substitute with a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. The spice blend will still be delicious and reminiscent of classic fall flavors.

How thick should the cream cheese frosting be?

The frosting should be thick enough to spread easily without running—smooth, creamy, and just firm enough to hold its shape when spread over the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for best texture and flavor.

Is it better to chill the bars before slicing?

Yes, chilling the frosted bars helps the cream cheese frosting set and makes cutting clean, neat pieces much easier.

Final Thoughts

Delighting your family and friends with this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a surefire way to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Its simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a dessert that feels both cozy and special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own fall favorite!