The Best Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ever

Warm autumn afternoons call for the most delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that melt in your mouth.

Sweet spices dance through every soft, tender bite of this seasonal treat.

Rich pumpkin flavors blend seamlessly with creamy, tangy frosting that creates pure comfort.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness that feels like a cozy hug.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will drift through your kitchen, promising delightful moments ahead.

Baking these bars transforms simple ingredients into a dessert everyone will adore.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice of this irresistible autumn classic.

Frosted Pumpkin Bars Ready for Autumn Feasts

• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spicy treat that captures the cozy essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: Whip up these bars with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these pumpkin bars offer a delightful balance of moist cake and creamy frosting that everyone will love.
• Versatile Crowd-Charmer: Easy to transport, simple to serve, and equally delicious at room temperature or chilled, these bars work wonderfully for casual get-togethers or special celebrations.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich ingredient that provides moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor to the bars.
• Flour: The primary structure-building component for the pumpkin bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth and caramel-like undertones to the dessert.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help create a cohesive and tender texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the classic fall flavor profile of the pumpkin bars.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the bars moist and tender.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and tangy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor of both the bars and frosting.
• Salt: A small pinch that balances and elevates the sweetness of the dessert.

Baking Instructions for Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture.

Gently stir until everything just comes together.

Don’t overmix – this keeps the bars tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bars are ready.

Let the bars cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Blend until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a delightful autumn treat!

Pro Tips for Fluffy Pumpkin Bars Every Time

• Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before making frosting to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
• Use high-quality canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree for richer, more authentic pumpkin flavor in the bars.
• Adjust powdered sugar gradually to achieve desired frosting consistency – thick enough to spread but not too heavy.
• Add a dash of ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for deeper, more complex autumn-inspired flavor notes.
• Keep pumpkin bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.

Pumpkin Bar Variations for the Adventurous Baker

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Nut-Infused Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty depth, enhancing the pumpkin bar's texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

• Fall Festive Plating: Dust bars with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra autumnal touch that enhances visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with whole cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, and scattered pecans for a charming seasonal presentation.
• Beverage Pairing Delight: Serve alongside warm apple cider, spiced chai latte, or a creamy cappuccino to complement the rich, warm flavors of the pumpkin bars.
• Garnish Elegance: Top each bar with a light sprinkle of chopped walnuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a small dollop of whipped cream for added texture and indulgence.

Storage Tips for Frosted Pumpkin Bars

• Store covered pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep frosted bars chilled to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
• Wrap completely cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Place bars on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Roast, puree, and strain the pumpkin to remove excess moisture before using in the recipe.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

• How can I tell if the pumpkin bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done baking.

• Can I freeze pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting deliver autumn’s warmest embrace, melding spicy richness with smooth, tangy sweetness. Seasonal comfort beckons you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Bars:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry ingredient medley by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large vessel, blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into a harmonious, smooth liquid mixture.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient ensemble into the wet mixture, stirring with minimal agitation until ingredients are just incorporated.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution and spreading to the edges.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test when inserted into the center.
7. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
8. Craft the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and an optional pinch of salt, continuing to blend until the frosting reaches a luxurious, creamy texture.
10. Once the pumpkin bars have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface in a smooth, even layer.
11. Slice into square portions and serve, revealing the delectable layers of spiced pumpkin and creamy frosting.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother texture.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for enhanced flavor, but canned works perfectly fine if homemade isn’t available.
• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the bars.
• Check doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back and not leave an indentation when fully baked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg