If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the creaminess of cream cheese frosting, you’ve come to the right place. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only deliciously moist and flavorful but also easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a cozy dessert at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Stick around to learn how to make these delectable pumpkin bars, and don’t miss out on our expert tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

What are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a soft, spiced pumpkin cake-like dessert, cut into squares or bars, and topped with a rich layer of cream cheese frosting. These bars are a delightful blend of warm autumn spices, moist pumpkin, and sweet, tangy frosting. They capture the essence of fall in every bite and are much simpler to prepare than a traditional pumpkin cake.
Now, let’s dive into what you need to gather to start baking!
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
To make these delicious pumpkin bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 4 large eggs (beaten)
- 16 oz of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling; Libby's canned pumpkin is a great option)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1 can of cream cheese frosting (store-bought) or feel free to make your own homemade cream cheese frosting for a more personalized touch.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch things up, there are several substitutions and variations you can try with this pumpkin bars recipe:
- Healthier Alternatives:
- Oil Substitute: Replace the 1 cup of oil with an equal amount of applesauce to reduce the fat content while still keeping the bars moist.
- Sugar Substitute: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit for a slightly healthier take on these bars.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that is labeled as suitable for baking.
- Pumpkin Spice Blend:
- If you’re a big fan of pumpkin spice, swap the cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for an extra burst of fall flavors like cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Homemade Frosting:
- Instead of using store-bought cream cheese frosting, make your own by beating together 8 oz of cream cheese, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 ½ to 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and some exciting variations in mind, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to bake these mouthwatering pumpkin bars.

- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 eggs until they are slightly foamy. Add the 16 oz of pumpkin puree, 1 ½ cups of sugar, and 1 cup of oil to the eggs. Stir everything together until well-combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure that the bars remain light and fluffy.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared 9x13-inch baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
How to Cook Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s walk through each step to make sure you nail this recipe:
- Mix the Batter Properly: Start by mixing the wet ingredients (eggs, pumpkin, oil, sugar) in one bowl and dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon) in another. Then combine both mixtures, stirring gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light, airy ones.
- Check for Doneness: Always check the bars at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your pumpkin bars are done.
- Let the Bars Cool Before Frosting: It’s crucial to let your pumpkin bars cool completely before frosting them. If you apply frosting while the bars are warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which can alter the flavor and texture of the bars.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can make your bars dry. Make sure to check them around the 25-minute mark to avoid this issue.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting warm bars will result in a gooey mess. Patience is key!
Serving and Presentation Tips
These pumpkin bars are not only tasty but also versatile in how they can be served and presented.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars
- For Casual Gatherings: Simply cut the bars into squares and serve on a decorative plate. If desired, you can add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
- For Special Occasions: Arrange the bars neatly on a serving platter and add some fall-themed garnishes such as candied pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a fancier touch.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars
- Decorative Piping: If you’re making homemade frosting, you can use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative swirls on each bar.
- Toppings: Consider adding a few toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.
- Layered Look: For a layered bar effect, slice the pumpkin bars in half horizontally and spread a layer of frosting in the middle, then frost the top as usual.
Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These pumpkin bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to frost them before serving for the freshest taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and any dairy ingredients for homemade frosting are at room temperature to help with smooth mixing.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will affect the flavor and texture of your bars. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for the best results.
How long do these pumpkin bars last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 5 days. If freezing, the bars will last for up to 3 months without frosting.
Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it is labeled for baking.
What can I use instead of oil in this recipe?
You can substitute the oil with applesauce for a lower-fat option. It will still give you moist bars but with fewer calories.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall dessert, full of warm spices and topped with a rich, tangy frosting. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a family dinner, or just to enjoy a cozy treat, these bars are sure to impress. Follow this easy recipe, experiment with some of our suggested variations, and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of pumpkin bars all season long!
PrintPumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These moist pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a perfect fall dessert. Featuring ingredients like Libby's canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and homemade or store-bought cream cheese frosting, these bars are flavorful and easy to prepare. A delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for autumn gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 eggs (beaten)
- 16 oz canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, I use Libby's)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin, sugar, and oil until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- For a homemade cream cheese frosting, mix 8 oz cream cheese, 4 tablespoon butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
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