If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist pumpkin bars infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and creaminess. It’s a treat that elevates any snack time or holiday gathering, and once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in this recipe to create a rich, spiced dessert that looks and tastes like it took much longer than it did. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the pumpkin brings moisture and earthy sweetness, the spices warm things up, and the cream cheese frosting adds that dreamy, tangy finish.
- Butter (1 cup, at room temperature): Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb in the bars.
- Sugar (1 â…” cups): Sweetens the batter and works with butter to create a light texture.
- Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and add structure to the bars.
- Pumpkin (1 15 oz can): The star ingredient that keeps the bars moist and gives classic autumn flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the foundation for the bars, providing structure.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warm spice that makes pumpkin desserts unforgettable.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Also contributes to the perfect rise and texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Cream cheese (1 8 oz package, softened): Essential for the ultra-creamy, tangy frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant depth to the frosting.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Gives the frosting a smooth, rich texture.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 18×13-inch half-sheet pan. This step ensures your pumpkin bars bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream together the butter and sugar until silky smooth—that blend is what makes these bars beautifully tender. Then add the eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in the pumpkin next, which adds moisture and that iconic fall flavor. Finally, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is perfectly smooth, with no lumps.
Step 3: Bake the Pumpkin Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step is crucial to achieve that ideal moist but fully set texture. Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting — patience here ensures your topping stays flawless.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Whip together softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until silky and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. This frosting is the crowning glory that transforms simple pumpkin bars into something truly special.
Step 5: Frost and Slice
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars in even strokes. Once coated, slice into squares to serve. Whether it’s a casual treat or your holiday showstopper, these bars are ready to impress.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a little added flair, sprinkle the frosted bars with chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon. This not only adds texture but complements the warm flavors perfectly. You can also add a few decorative pumpkin seeds for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these pumpkin bars with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a comforting snack. At brunch, they go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe family-style on a rustic wooden board or stack them on a pretty cake stand with decorative autumn leaves around. For parties, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top before serving for that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps the cream cheese frosting stay fresh and the bars maintain their moist texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting to ensure the best texture and ease of spreading.
Reheating
Warm individual bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Avoid reheating the frosting directly to keep its creamy consistency perfect.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Use an equal amount, but note that fresh pumpkin may be slightly less moist than canned, so keep an eye on the batter texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
Not as written, but you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bars from falling apart.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. The texture might be a little different but still delicious and creamy.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The best test is the toothpick method: if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are perfectly baked. Don’t overbake to keep them tender.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to prevent dragging the frosting. For extra smooth edges, chill the frosted bars briefly before slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the comforting flavors of pumpkin in a dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, these bars bring warmth and sweetness that brighten any occasion. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every single bite as much as I do!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully moist and flavorful pumpkin bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a spiced, sweet treat with the warmth of cinnamon and the smooth tanginess of cream cheese.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 â…” cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (or squash)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 18×13-inch half-sheet pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Make the batter: Cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter. Stir in the canned pumpkin until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, stirring until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and serve: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and serve for a delicious pumpkin treat.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin with fresh cooked and pureed squash if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a spicier flavor, add nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.
- This recipe yields about 20 servings, great for parties or gatherings.
