Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of fall with the rich and tangy sweetness of cream cheese. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a holiday gathering or a simple sweet snack for a cozy evening at home, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of pumpkin bars, from the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Let’s dive in!

What are Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting?
Pumpkin bars are a type of baked dessert that typically features a moist, cake-like pumpkin base and a layer of smooth, rich cream cheese frosting. They offer the best of fall flavors with the perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful contrast with its creamy texture and tangy sweetness, making these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion. Unlike pumpkin pie, which can be dense, pumpkin bars are light, soft, and easy to serve in bite-sized pieces, perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars
To make these scrumptious pumpkin bars, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the pumpkin bar base:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create the perfect moist, spiced pumpkin base for your bars.
Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Frosting
Now for the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (also called confectioners' sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
This cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory of the pumpkin bars, providing a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin base.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting is perfect as is, you can always make substitutions or variations to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and replace the butter in the frosting with a dairy-free margarine. For the pumpkin bars, swap the oil or butter with melted coconut oil.
- Lower Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, though the texture may change slightly.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of nutmeg and cloves, or for a spicier kick, increase the ginger.
- Add-ins: For added texture, mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter before baking.
These substitutions and variations make it easy to customize the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
How to Cook Pumpkin Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step to help ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly:
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Properly preheating the oven ensures even cooking, and greasing the pan prevents sticking.
- Step 2: Wet Ingredients: Mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, well-integrated base. Make sure the oil or butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
- Step 3: Dry Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps, and evenly distributing the spices guarantees a consistent flavor throughout.
- Step 4: Combine: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can result in dense bars.
- Step 5: Baking: Be sure to check the bars around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking. They should be set but still moist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can cause the batter to curdle. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Overbaking: If the bars bake too long, they’ll become dry. Check them a few minutes before the recommended time to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Skipping the Cooling Process: Make sure the pumpkin bars cool completely before frosting, or the cream cheese frosting will melt and become runny.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving your pumpkin bars is half the fun. Here are a few tips to make them look just as good as they taste:
- Even Slices: For a clean, professional look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. For extra clean edges, chill the bars before slicing.
- Decorative Toppings: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting for an extra touch of spice. You can also top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Individual Servings: If you want to make individual servings more special, consider serving the bars on small dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars are incredibly versatile and can be served at room temperature or chilled. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. These bars also make an excellent addition to any dessert table for holiday gatherings or parties.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars
- Festive Display: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden serving tray for a cozy, autumnal feel. Garnish the tray with mini pumpkins or fall leaves for added decoration.
- Tiered Stand: If you’re serving these bars at a gathering, consider displaying them on a tiered stand alongside other fall treats like cookies or brownies.
- Individual Wrapping: For a party or potluck, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a rustic, gift-like presentation.
Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: Pumpkin bars can be made up to two days in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and frost them just before serving.
- Freezing: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, pumpkin bars freeze beautifully. Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and frost before serving.
- Adjust Frosting Sweetness: Taste the frosting before adding all of the powdered sugar. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter. - How should I store pumpkin bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If they’re frosted, it’s important to keep them chilled. - Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well, especially if you freeze them unfrosted. Simply thaw and frost before serving. - What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
You can substitute the individual spices with 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Conclusion
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall season or any time you crave a sweet, spiced treat. With their moist texture, warm flavors, and tangy frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy snack, these bars are easy to make and even easier to love. Try out this recipe today, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time!
PrintPumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious fall dessert featuring spiced pumpkin and rich, creamy frosting. This easy-to-make recipe uses classic fall ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and cream cheese. The bars are moist and tender, making them the perfect treat for gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled pumpkin bars, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
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