These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are made with real pumpkin puree and warm cinnamon, and they are soft, moist, and full of flavor. Topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, they are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering or as an afternoon snack.
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❤️ Pumpkin bars
- You only need a few simple ingredients, and most of these ingredients are pantry staples so you may not even need to make a trip to the grocery store.
- The rich pumpkin flavor and warm spice will be a hit with all the pumpkin lovers in your life.
- The earthy flavor pairs well with the cream cheese icing to make an easy dessert that your whole family will love.
This is a great recipe, the perfect fall dessert; wait till you see how quickly this recipe comes together with its glowing orange color and soft crumb.
📝 Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Pumpkin puree - You can use store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree. However, make sure that it's puree instead of pumpkin pie filling.
- Large eggs - These will help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the pumpkin bread.
- Granulated sugar - Adds the sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- Vegetable oil - This helps keep the bread moist and adds a subtle flavor. You can also use melted butter or canola oil if preferred.
- All-purpose flour - This is the base of the bread and provides structure to hold all the other ingredients together.
- Baking powder - This is a leavening agent that helps to give these bars a rise.
- Ground cinnamon - Adds a warm and cozy flavor to the bars.
- Cream cheese - This is the star of the show! It adds a creamy and tangy flavor to your frosting.
- Unsalted butter - This will give your frosting a rich and creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar - Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
- Vanilla extract - Gives an excellent depth of flavor to the frosting.
🥄 Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and oil until combined.
- Mix in flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake in the middle of your oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer beat butter, vanilla extract, and cream cheese together until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar mixing after each addition until fluffy and creamy.
- Spread this rich cream cheese frosting on the whole cake and serve.
👩🍳 Variations to make it your own
- Not a fan of this simple cream cheese frosting? You can use a vanilla frosting, or just top the tops of the bars with powdered sugar instead.
- Want a little chocolate? Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the pumpkin bar batter before you spread it into your pan for a sweet chocolate taste.
- For a little extra flavor, you can swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice instead. The addition of nutmeg will give these bars even more warm spice.
- An extra sprinkle of cinnamon or pie spice on top of the frosting will give these bars a beautiful look.
📣 More recipes you will love
Are you looking for more pumpkin dessert recipes to make for your family this fall? If so, next time, give this Pumpkin Bundt Cake With Cream Cheese, Chocolate Pumpkin Cake, or Pumpkin Pie With Phyllo Crust a try. They are all incredibly delicious.
👍 My notes
- Once you combine the wet ingredients and dry ingredients don't overmix your batter. You will want to mix until just combined so that you don't have through bars.
- Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper with give you an easy way to remove the bars and get clean slices when you cut them.
- Don't overbake your bars, so keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars should be stored in the refrigerator.
🧺 How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze - You can also freeze these bars for longer-term storage. I like to slice the bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then freeze them in a freezer bag.
⌛ Make Ahead
One of my favorite things about these easy pumpkin bars is that you can make them ahead. Feel free to make them up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to keep them chilled so they stay fresh.
🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with
I love to pair these bars with our favorite fall meal. We like to enjoy them with this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast or this Air Fryer Turkey Breast and this Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole. You can never go wrong with this classic meal.
My little family loved this recipe, and so did my taste testers, although we are not all pumpkin lovers. Let me know in the comments below if you are a Pumpkin fan.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin pure (15oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil or any light tasting oil like canola
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream cheese frosting:
- 1 8 ounces block cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, sugar and oil until combined.
- Mix in flour, cinnamon and baking powder until all four disappears.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the middle of your oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the frosting:
- Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer beat butter, vanilla extract and cream cheese together until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar mixing after each addition until fluffy and creamy.
- Frost the whole cake and serve.
Nutrition
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Pam
OMG Amira this is another favorite from your recipes and I have many. Came out so delicious and disappeared in less than an hour.