Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Nothing says fall quite like a tray of homemade Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist, spiced bars combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich tang of a silky-smooth cream cheese topping, making each bite an autumn celebration. Perfect for gatherings, holiday potlucks, or simply as a cozy treat with coffee, this recipe brings out all the best seasonal flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

What makes these bars irresistible isn’t just their vibrant color or pillowy texture—it’s the way the subtle pumpkin spice meets the creamy, slightly tangy frosting. Each bar delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, crowned with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting that holds up beautifully, even when sliced into generous squares.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

These pumpkin bars are the ultimate make-ahead dessert for fall. They’re quick to mix up, easy to frost, and even easier to slice and serve. The combination of pantry-friendly ingredients and a one-bowl method means you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. Plus, they keep their moisture for days, making them ideal for snacking or packing in lunchboxes all week long.

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What Makes These Pumpkin Bars So Special?

It’s all about the texture and taste. Using real pumpkin puree infuses each bite with richness, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth and depth. The bars bake up fluffy yet sturdy, so they won’t fall apart under that generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Top them with festive decorations or keep them classic—either way, these bars are sure to impress!

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What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use for Pumpkin Bars?

Canned pumpkin puree is the go-to for this recipe. It’s consistent, easy to use, and delivers pure pumpkin flavor without excess water. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. If you have homemade pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s well-drained and smooth for the best texture.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Every ingredient plays an important role in the final texture and flavor of these bars. Let’s break it down:

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, color, and unmistakable autumn flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy, tender crumb that holds up the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and balances the spices.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and extra moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb moist and tender without adding any competing flavors.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bars a light, cake-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the other flavors.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Give lift and ensure an even rise.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves: Classic pumpkin spices that deliver cozy warmth.
• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla (for frosting): The ultimate creamy, tangy, sweet finish that makes these bars unforgettable.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly. Measure all your ingredients before starting—this makes the mixing process go quickly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 4 large eggs until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Stir until just combined and no dry streaks remain—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Decorate with candy pumpkins or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Slice into 20 bars and serve!

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Serving and Storing Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe yields 20 generous bars, perfect for feeding a crowd or saving extras for later. The bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, and the frosting sets beautifully for easy slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy!

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Bars?

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

The brightness of a fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced bars.

2. Hot Apple Cider

A warm mug of spiced apple cider is the perfect cozy pairing for autumn desserts.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your bar for an indulgent treat.

4. Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas

Serve as part of a brunch spread with Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas for sweet and savory options.

5. Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Add color and zing with a bowl of Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing.

6. Coffee or Latte

Pair with your favorite coffee or a homemade latte for a perfect afternoon break.

7. Mango and Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding

A scoop of Mango and Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding can round out a dessert buffet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, just make sure your puree is thick and not watery. Drain excess moisture for the best bar texture.

Q2: Can these bars be made gluten-free?
A: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Q3: How do I keep my cream cheese frosting from getting runny?
A: Use brick-style, full-fat cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them until creamy before adding powdered sugar gradually. If the frosting is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes, then spread.

Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Absolutely! For best texture, freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. You can also freeze frosted bars—layer parchment between slices and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Why did my pumpkin bars turn out dense?
A: Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make bars dense. Spoon and level the flour, and mix just until combined for light, fluffy bars.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you top with candy pumpkins or add your own twist? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more delicious recipes and ideas, be sure to check out Meals We Share on Pinterest!

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Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-make dessert for fall and beyond. Simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing, these bars offer everything you want in a seasonal treat: moist crumb, warm spices, and a dreamy layer of creamy frosting. Try them for your next gathering or bake a batch just because—you’ll be coming back to this recipe all year long.

For more creative fall baking inspiration, explore our Rainbow Smoothie Bowls, Fruit Tart with Glossy Glaze, and Mini Frittata Muffins. Happy baking!

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