Dessert

Pumpkin Bars (The Best Pumpkin Bars)

Name: Pumpkin Bars (The Best Pumpkin Bars)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 4 large eggs; 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Bysarra August 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe

These pumpkin bars are a soft, moist, and flavorful fall treat topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, they are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a comforting dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin bars are the ultimate autumn dessert. They strike a balance between light and fluffy cake and dense, moist bars. The warm spices complement the natural sweetness of pumpkin, while the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess. They are simple to prepare, feed a crowd, and can be made ahead, making them a practical yet indulgent choice for fall baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Salt
Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Canned pumpkin puree
Cream cheese
Butter
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then cut into squares or rectangles before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and frosting: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for crunch.
Use a maple-flavored cream cheese frosting for a seasonal twist.
For a lighter version, reduce the sugar slightly or use a Greek yogurt-based frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost before serving. To serve chilled bars, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make pumpkin bars without frosting?

Yes, they are delicious even without frosting, though the cream cheese topping adds richness.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a watery batter.

3. Can I bake these in a 9×13-inch pan?

Yes, but the bars will be slightly thicker. Increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

4. Can I make pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

5. What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.

6. How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Avoid overbaking and measure your flour correctly. Using pumpkin puree also helps maintain moisture.

7. Can I freeze pumpkin bars with frosting?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze them unfrosted. If freezing frosted bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

8. How long do pumpkin bars last at room temperature?

They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, but refrigeration is recommended due to the cream cheese frosting.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan or two separate pans.

10. Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes, dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bars are the quintessential fall dessert, combining warm spices, moist cake-like texture, and a creamy frosting. They are easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for serving at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. Once you try them, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite year after year.

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