Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor. The tender pumpkin cake is topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, making these bars a delicious fall dessert for gatherings, parties, or an afternoon treat.
Why These Pumpkin Bars Work
- Moist and tender: Pumpkin puree keeps the bars soft.
- Easy to make: The batter comes together quickly in one bowl.
- Creamy frosting: Tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bars.
- Perfect for fall: Warm spices give them classic autumn flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
How to Make Pumpkin Bars
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir gently until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add the vanilla and enough milk or heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
6. Frost and Slice
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Cut into squares and serve.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
- Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra fall flavor.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an easy fall dessert with a soft pumpkin base and rich, tangy frosting. The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting makes these bars perfect for Thanksgiving, fall parties, or cozy afternoons at home.
