Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (An Easy Fall Favorite)

If there’s one fall dessert I’ll never get tired of, it’s a good pumpkin bar. They have all the cozy pumpkin spice flavor you love, but they’re much easier to make than a layer cake or fancy holiday dessert. Just mix, bake, frost, and you’re done.

These Pumpkin Bars are incredibly soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting that honestly steals the show. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at Thanksgiving dinners, fall potlucks, and weekend family gatherings. If you’re looking for an easy pumpkin dessert that everyone will ask for again next year, this is the recipe to make.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

• Soft and moist with plenty of pumpkin flavor in every bite.
• Topped with rich cream cheese frosting for the perfect sweet finish.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, and bake sales.
• Bakes in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Great for making ahead since the bars stay tender for days.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft and moist pumpkin bars are packed with warm fall spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and a delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season.

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
• * 2 cups all-purpose flour
• * 2 teaspoons baking powder
• * 1 teaspoon baking soda
• * 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• * ½ teaspoon salt
• * 4 large eggs
• * 1 cup granulated sugar
• * 1 cup light brown sugar
• * 1 cup vegetable oil
• * 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• * 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• * ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• * 3 cups powdered sugar
• * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
11. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

* Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
* For extra flavor, sprinkle the frosted bars with a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
* For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.

How To Make These Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and serve immediately, or chill for a firmer frosting before serving.

More Cozy Desserts to Try

If you loved these Pumpkin Bars, there are plenty more seasonal treats waiting for you at Berry Whisk. Build the ultimate dessert table with these Thanksgiving Snack Board Ideas, bake a batch of festive Thanksgiving Cookies, or find crowd-pleasing inspiration in these Fall Bake Sale Treats.

For spooky season fun, don’t miss these adorable Halloween Dirt Cups, cute Ghost Halloween Cupcakes, and festive Halloween Rice Krispie Treats that are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Looking for even more fall flavors? Try these soft and chewy Pumpkin Pudding Cookies, elegant Maple Baked Pears with Candied Pecans, or this rich and creamy Easy Chocolate Mousse for a simple dessert everyone will love.