Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 8 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and packed with cozy fall spices that make them the perfect autumn treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a school event, or just craving something sweet on a chilly day, these bars deliver comforting flavors in every bite.

The luscious cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tang and creaminess, balancing the spiced pumpkin base. Plus, this dessert is incredibly easy to make in a single sheet pan and slice into squares, making it ideal for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bar Recipe

You’ll love how these pumpkin bars bring together texture, flavor, and convenience. The batter whips up in no time with pantry-friendly ingredients, and the frosting can be made while the bars bake. They stay moist for days, and the combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes your kitchen smell like a dream.

The tangy cream cheese frosting gives each square a bakery-style finish without needing fancy decorating skills. These bars feel special, yet approachable for everyday baking.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use for Pumpkin Bars?

For the best texture and flavor, use canned pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance of this recipe. The pure stuff lets you control the sweetness and spice perfectly.

If you’re feeling extra homemade, you can also roast and puree your own sugar pumpkin. Just be sure to strain out excess moisture for the right consistency.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect bar: tender, moist, and rich with fall flavor. Let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Pumpkin puree: The star of the show. Adds moisture, flavor, and that iconic autumn color.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and balances the moisture from the pumpkin.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars super moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Baking powder & baking soda: These help the bars rise and stay fluffy.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: The trio of spices that makes pumpkin treats irresistible.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Cream cheese: For the dreamy frosting that adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
Butter: Adds richness and helps whip the frosting to silky perfection.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla extract: A subtle note that elevates both the cake and frosting.

How To Make the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

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

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the fridge.

How to Store and Serve Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

These pumpkin bars serve about 12 to 16 people, depending on how generous your slices are. Perfect for parties or meal prepping dessert for the week.

To store, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (unfrosted is best) for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.

Serve them chilled for a firmer texture or let them come to room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Bars?

A Warm Cup of Spiced Chai Tea

The spice notes in chai mirror those in the bars, making it a cozy and fragrant pairing.

Fresh Apple Slices with Caramel Dip

A crunchy, sweet-tart bite complements the soft texture of the bars.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The creamy chill of ice cream next to these warmly spiced bars? Pure dessert bliss.

Hot Apple Cider

Perfect for fall gatherings, this drink enhances the pumpkin flavor with complementary spices.

Maple-Glazed Pecans

Add a nutty crunch alongside the tender pumpkin bars.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle a little over the frosting if you’re feeling indulgent.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

A simple topping that turns a square into a plated dessert.

Cup of Dark Roast Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.

Want More Fall Dessert Ideas?

If you love these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, you’ll probably enjoy these comforting seasonal treats:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top it with nuts? Add extra spice? Try it with maple frosting instead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and easy dessert ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite recipe!

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the kind of dessert that feels like a hug. Moist, tender, and rich with warm spices, they’re everything we love about fall wrapped up in one easy-to-make recipe. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this sweet treat is always a hit. Enjoy every bite!