Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
A Favorite Fall Dessert
Pumpkin bars are one of those treats that instantly feel like autumn. I first received this recipe from a friend back in 1985, and it has been a family favorite ever since. These moist, spiced bars bake up tender and soft, then get topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering, bringing dessert for Thanksgiving, or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these pumpkin bars are always a hit.
Why This Recipe Works
- Moist and tender: Pumpkin puree keeps the bars soft and flavorful.
- Warm fall flavor: Cinnamon blends perfectly with pumpkin for that classic autumn taste.
- Easy ingredients: Pantry staples mean you can whip these up quickly.
- Crowd-pleaser: Bakes in a 13×9 pan, making plenty for sharing.
- Better than pumpkin bread: Lighter in texture, but richer than cake — the best of both worlds.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Alternate pan size: For thinner bars, use a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. Bake 25–30 minutes.
- Spice variations: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a deeper autumn flavor.
- Frosting twist: Swap orange juice for milk for a milder taste, or add a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store bars in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap well and freeze (frosted or unfrosted) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosting for a decorative touch.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the bars the day before, then frost shortly before serving.
Do pumpkin bars need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Are pumpkin bars the same as pumpkin cake?
Pumpkin bars are lighter than pumpkin bread and a little denser than cake, making them the perfect in-between dessert.
A Thanksgiving Favorite
These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert, moist, spiced, and just sweet enough. Perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the season.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gather ingredients and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Add 4 eggs, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups pumpkin, and 3/4 cup oil to a large bowl.
Whisk until smooth.
Add 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 2 cups flour until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting. If you’d like to keep it simple, these pumpkin bars are moist and flavorful enough with just a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. But the cream cheese frosting adds a delicious touch that beautifully complements the spiced cake.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting for Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients for the cream cheese frosting.
For the frosting: beat 3-ounces softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add 1/4-cup softened butter and orange juice, mixing until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until light and spreadable.
Spread frosting evenly over when completely cooled and cut into squares for serving.
Fancy Presentation
Pumpkin bars are delicious and look lovely with just a simple layer of frosting. But if you’re in the mood for a little extra flair, you can pipe on swirls, add a border, or finish with sprinkles for a festive look.
Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 3/4 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 tablespoon orange juice or milk
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar, pumpkin, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour until just combined.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and orange juice, mixing until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla and beat until light and spreadable.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, then cut into squares.
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