If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, delicious treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. These bars are delightfully moist and fluffy with warm cinnamon spices that dance on your tongue, and that luscious cream cheese frosting on top takes every bite to a new level of indulgence. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or sneaking a piece for yourself, these pumpkin bars are pure comfort and joy baked right into a pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute breeze thanks to its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the pumpkin brings moisture and rich flavor, the spices add warmth, and the cream cheese frosting gives it that irresistible creamy contrast.
- Butter, 1 cup (room temperature): Provides richness and keeps the bars moist and tender.
- Sugar, 1 â…” cups: Sweetens the batter for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Eggs, 4: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the bars.
- Pumpkin (15 oz can): Adds vibrant color, natural moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin charm.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Forms the foundation of the batter for a soft yet sturdy texture.
- Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: Infuses that warm, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bars rise perfectly without being cakey.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Adds just a bit more lift for a tender crumb.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz package, softened): The star of the frosting, adding creamy tang and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Deepens the flavor and complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- Butter, ½ cup (softened): Makes the frosting rich, silky, and easy to spread.
- Powdered sugar, 3 cups: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 18×13-inch half-sheet pan. This ensures your pumpkin bars won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped with tender edges.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 ⅔ cups sugar until the mixture turns smooth and slightly fluffy. Next, add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a silky base. Stir in the pumpkin, which not only adds moisture but also that signature pumpkin flavor and deep orange hue. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients — 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt — until everything is just combined and forms a smooth batter.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it gently to the edges. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your bars are perfectly cooked through. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely; this is key so the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While your bars cool, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the frosting reaches that perfectly fluffy and spreadable consistency you love.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars with a spatula or knife. Slice into squares of your desired size and prepare for compliments because these bars are truly something special.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe even further, try sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy frosting and tender cake. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes for an indulgent treat sure to wow anyone at the table.
Side Dishes
Serve these pumpkin bars alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a bold cup of coffee for an ideal afternoon pick-me-up. They pair wonderfully with vanilla bean ice cream if you want to transform them into a decadent dessert experience. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or orange segments also complements the spicy sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make these bars stand out at a party or potluck, cut them into bite-size squares and serve them on pretty trays garnished with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks. You can also layer pieces in a clear glass trifle dish alternating with whipped cream for a stunning presentation. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a cinnamon stick makes for a charming gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness and prevents the frosting from becoming too soft, so every bite is as wonderful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting. Frosted bars don’t freeze as well because the frosting can change texture, so it’s best to frost fresh.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t needed. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, leave them out for a bit to soften the frosting naturally rather than using heat, which can cause it to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender and puree it until smooth. Use it in place of the canned pumpkin for a fresher, slightly earthier flavor that works just as well in this recipe.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives. Just be sure both are softened before mixing for the best frosting consistency.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra clean slices, chill the bars before cutting to help the frosting set firm and prevent sticking.
Can I add other spices to the batter?
Yes! Feel free to mix in nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for extra warmth and complexity. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each to keep the spice balance just right.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for its perfect blend of comforting flavors and ease of preparation. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to year after year, sharing with friends and family, and making countless cherished memories. So go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting, spiced dessert, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin goodness with a smooth, tangy frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 â…” cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (or squash)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 18×13-inch half-sheet pan to ensure the bars don’t stick during baking.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the canned pumpkin until evenly combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Bake the bars: Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating constantly until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and serve: Once the pumpkin bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 20 squares and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy pumpkin and sweet cream cheese in every bite!
Notes
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin with canned butternut squash if desired.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar or substitute with a sugar alternative.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
