Fluffy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Autumn whispers its magic through these delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that dance between comfort and indulgence.

Sweet spices mingle with rich, velvety textures promising pure seasonal bliss.

Warm kitchens come alive when these bars emerge, filling the air with nostalgic aromas.

Dense and moist, each square tells a story of cozy afternoons and cherished memories.

Baking becomes an art form with this simple yet stunning dessert that celebrates fall’s most beloved ingredient.

Soft cream cheese frosting creates a luxurious blanket over tender pumpkin layers, promising pure delight.

Fall in love with every decadent bite and let these bars become your new favorite seasonal treat.

What Makes Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Sweetly Memorable

• Minimal Prep Work: Whip up these pumpkin bars with simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Quick Baking Time: Bake these delectable bars in just 25-30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combine classic fall spices with creamy cream cheese frosting, creating an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Serve as a casual snack, potluck contribution, or elegant dessert plate that works for autumn parties, holiday events, or weekend family gatherings.

What’s Inside Pumpkin Bars With Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar: Provides structure and sweetness for the bars.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich autumn flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and helps with rising.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and become light.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a rich, creamy frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the frosting.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Prep

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Canned pumpkin puree
• Eggs

Beat these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.

Step 4: Combine Batters

Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until everything is completely combined, creating a uniform pumpkin batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the bars are fully baked.

Step 6: Cool the Bars

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

This helps the bars set and makes frosting easier.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the bars are totally cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top.

Slice into squares and serve these delectable pumpkin treats to eager friends and family.

Things That Make Pumpkin Bars Extra Moist And Tasty

• Use exact measurements for foolproof bars, especially with flour and pumpkin to maintain the perfect texture.
• Ensure pumpkin puree isn't watery by using canned or well-drained homemade puree for consistent results.
• Let bars cool entirely to room temperature to prevent cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Adjust cinnamon or add nutmeg and ginger for a more complex, warming flavor profile that enhances the pumpkin taste.
• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and frosting to set perfectly.

Pumpkin Bars: Save for Later Snacking

• Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing spoilage.
• Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Sweets That Match Pumpkin Bars

• Savor Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Warm, fragrant apple cider complements the pumpkin bars' rich, autumnal spices, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the dessert's warm cinnamon notes.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced bars, balancing the warmth of the pumpkin and adding a luxurious texture.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The smooth espresso and sweet caramel undertones of this coffee drink perfectly complement the cream cheese frosting and pumpkin's deep, earthy flavors.
• Enjoy with Chai Latte: Spicy, aromatic chai tea echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg in the bars, creating a seamless taste experience that celebrates fall's comfort and warmth.

Pumpkin Bars with Frosting Sweet Swaps

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Pumpkin Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the classic pumpkin bars.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use erythritol as a sugar replacement, and incorporate cream cheese into a lower-carb frosting to align with ketogenic diet requirements.

FAQs

• Are pumpkin bars healthy?

While delicious, pumpkin bars are a dessert with sugar and butter. Pumpkin does provide some nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, but they’re still a treat to enjoy in moderation.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 replacement to maintain the recipe’s texture.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your bars are done. They should look golden and slightly pull away from the pan’s edges.

• What type of pumpkin should I use?

Canned pure pumpkin puree works best. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin for the best results.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with silky frosting, these bars offer comfort in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, blend sugar, vegetable oil, canned pumpkin puree, and eggs until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
5. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the baked bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
8. While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a light, fluffy texture.
9. Once the bars have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface in an even layer.
10. Cut into individual squares and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant, homemade flavor if possible.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding nutmeg or ginger for deeper autumn warmth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg