Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Delight in moist and tender pumpkin bars infused with warm fall spices, topped with a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holidays, or anytime indulgence, this easy-to-make recipe balances the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the rich flavors of spices and luscious frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or 1 ¾ cups fresh pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use vegan cream cheese for dairy-free option)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free butter substitute for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated but not overmixed.
- Bake the pumpkin bars: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: While bars cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and serve: Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and enjoy the perfect blend of spice and sweetness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting.
- Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust spice amounts to your preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, spiced pumpkin, easy pumpkin recipe, autumn baking