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When autumn rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves filling your kitchen. These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
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Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a fall potluck, or simply craving a cozy homemade treat, this recipe is simple, reliable, and guaranteed to impress. The bars bake beautifully in just one pan, making them a stress-free dessert option that delivers bakery-quality flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: One bowl for wet ingredients, one for dry, and you’re ready to bake.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: Pumpkin puree and warm spices create that classic autumn taste.
- Moist & Tender: The oil and pumpkin keep the bars soft and fluffy.
- Crowd Favorite: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or bake sales.
- Customizable: Can be decorated with pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and help the bars rise.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and balances the earthy pumpkin.
- Pumpkin Puree (½ cup, canned): The star ingredient—adds flavor, moisture, and natural color.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the bars rich and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the base for a light but sturdy texture.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Ensures the bars rise properly.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warm spice that defines classic pumpkin desserts.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp): Helps with leavening when combined with the pumpkin and eggs.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- Ground Ginger (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle zing.
- Ground Cloves (¼ tsp): Brings depth and warmth to the spice blend.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides tangy richness.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Creates a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Whole Pecans (for decorating): Adds crunch and a festive finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cream cheese and butter should be softened for smooth frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of light.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm bars will melt the frosting and cause it to slide off.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a more intense flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Bake the bars a day ahead and frost right before serving.
Variations and Customizations
- Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts directly into the batter for crunch.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Lighter Frosting: Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie option.
- Sheet Cake Version: Double the recipe and bake in a half-sheet pan for larger gatherings.
- Spiced Frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting for extra warmth.
Pairing Suggestions
These pumpkin bars pair beautifully with:
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- Hot coffee or spiced chai latte
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
- A cup of mulled cider during the holidays
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, frost, and serve.
- Serving Tip: For best flavor, let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pan (like 11×15 inches) and adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I make these bars without frosting?
Yes. They’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 25–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
- Garnish with whole pecans.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fall-inspired treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With their moist, spiced pumpkin base and rich, creamy frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for pumpkin lovers. Bake a batch today and enjoy the flavors of the season!
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