Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 2 cups white sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin purée; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 12 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars bring together a moist, warmly spiced pumpkin cake layered under a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn afternoons, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a show-stopping treat that everyone will rave about. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts for the season and beyond.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five square pieces of cake with two layers are placed on a white plate. The bottom layer is light brown and looks soft and spongy. The top layer is white frosting spread evenly, with a light dusting of cinnamon powder on it. The plate is on a wooden table with a white marbled texture. In the background, there are more pieces of the same cake stacked on white plates, a glass of milk, and two silver forks. A woman's hand is holding a spoon near the background cakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect pumpkin bars. Each component plays a special role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and color — from the rich pumpkin purée to the aromatic spices and creamy frosting.

4 large eggs: Adds structure and helps the bars rise while keeping them moist.
2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
1 cup vegetable oil: Contributes to the moist, tender texture pumpkin bars are known for.
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that gives the bars their beautiful orange hue and distinctive pumpkin flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base that holds everything together with a soft crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake layer rise and stay light.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid in the pumpkin to give a tender crumb.
¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Creates the smooth and tangy frosting that makes these bars irresistible.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a silky texture to the frosting.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings out the depth of the cream cheese frosting.
4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a soft, powdery finish.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste: A final sprinkle on top for extra flavor and a lovely aroma.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), which will ensure an even bake. Grease a sheet pan, then line it with parchment paper and grease the paper as well. This little extra step guarantees your pumpkin bars will slide right out after baking without any sticking hassles.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with an electric hand mixer until foamy — this incorporates air for a fluffier outcome. Next, add the sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin purée, beating on medium speed until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. You’ll appreciate how the vibrant pumpkin color intensifies and the mixture becomes wonderfully cohesive.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps or uneven bursts of flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently beat the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture on low speed until just combined, about one minute. Be careful not to overmix here; you want tender bars, not tough ones. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the edges for an even bake.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Bake your pumpkin bars in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your bars are fully cooked but still moist and soft inside. Let them cool completely for about 30 minutes — patience here makes spreading the frosting much easier and prettier.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up your cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until creamy and smooth. Gradually incorporate the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting reaches the perfect consistency — silky, thick, and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin cake layer, making sure to cover every corner. Finish with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top for that warm, spicy aroma and an inviting look. Slice into 24 generous bars and get ready to wow your family and friends!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with brown parchment paper filling most of the frame. On top, there is one layer of a light, creamy white spread being smoothed out by a red spatula held by a woman's hand from the right side. To the left of the tray, a white bowl contains more of the same creamy white mixture, with visible soft, creamy texture inside. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a dark brown wooden background at the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of your cream cheese frosting. These simple garnishes add texture and a burst of flavor that complements the classic pumpkin spice taste beautifully.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch or dessert spreads, serve alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars on a rustic wooden platter or placing them in decorative paper liners for a festive touch. You can also drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosting before serving to impress guests with an extra layer of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pumpkin bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting holds up best when chilled, and you’ll find the bars taste even better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze pumpkin bars for longer storage by wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve the luscious texture of both the cake and frosting.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a warm treat, briefly microwave an individual bar for 10 to 15 seconds. Be mindful not to overheat, as the frosting can soften too much but a slight warmth brings out the cozy pumpkin spice ambiance.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid so your batter remains the right consistency. The flavor will be just as delicious, if a bit fresher tasting.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone or a whipped buttercream frosting if needed. However, cream cheese gives that signature tang and creamy texture that balances the sweetness perfectly, so it’s worth keeping on hand for this recipe.

How long do pumpkin bars last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these pumpkin bars can last up to 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Their moist texture and luscious frosting remain intact, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend of your choice. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture. You might notice a slight difference in crumb but the flavor stays wonderfully pumpkin-spiced.

Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cream cheese and margarine substitutes in the frosting and a neutral oil in the batter. The texture might shift slightly, but the flavor of the pumpkin and spices will still shine through beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of moist pumpkin cake topped with creamy, tangy frosting that makes this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a keeper in any recipe collection. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for virtually any occasion when you want to add a sweet, seasonal touch. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these delightful bars with your loved ones! Happy baking!