There’s something truly comforting about making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons spent with family. The warm aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through the kitchen always sparks nostalgia for me, especially since this recipe first became a holiday staple in my household. I remember the first time I brought these bars to a potluck—the way people’s faces lit up with each bite made me realize just how special these simple bars are. Whether you’re slicing them up for a casual snack or serving them at a festive gathering, they’ve got that perfect balance of moist, tender cake and luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Shines

Flavor Harmony: The earthy sweetness of pumpkin melds beautifully with a blend of warm spices to create a comforting autumn classic.
Easy Assembly: This recipe comes together quickly with straightforward mixing—no fancy techniques needed.
Texture Play: Moist, dense bars topped with creamy, tangy frosting create a delightful contrast in each bite.
Showstopper Finish: The luscious cream cheese frosting makes these bars party-ready with minimal fuss.

If you’re new to baking or just want a foolproof recipe that feels festive yet approachable, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything, from measuring tips to frosting tricks, so you’ll have gorgeous bars that look as good as they taste. Plus, I’ll share how to get that perfect moist texture and smooth frosting every time. Trust me, once you master this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’ll become your go-to fall favorite!

A rectangular silver baking pan holds a single-layer white cake covered evenly with smooth white frosting. The top of the frosting is decorated with small, flat, colorful flower-shaped sprinkles scattered all over in bright shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. The cake is cut into two large pieces with a clear straight line down the middle, showing the thickness of the frosting layer. The pan rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

When measuring your ingredients, I like to spoon and level dry items like flour to keep the texture light and tender. Keep in mind, exact amounts and details are in the recipe card down below so you can easily print or refer while baking.

All-purpose flour: The base for your bars, providing structure while still keeping them tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a slightly crisp top layer.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the pumpkin flavor.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Baking soda and baking powder: Leaveners that lighten the bars while giving a gentle rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Eggs: Help bind everything together; room temperature works best here.
Vegetable oil: Keeps bars moist and tender without adding flavor.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results.
Butter: For the rich, creamy frosting base.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and smoothness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting smoothly.
Optional sprinkles: For a fun, festive touch when serving.

If you need to swap ingredients, pumpkin puree can be replaced with homemade roasted pumpkin puree, and dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives work well for the frosting if you want to keep it vegan-friendly.

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Chef’s Note

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl: For combining the dry and wet ingredients seamlessly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements make sure your bars turn out perfectly every time.
Whisk or spatula: To mix without overworking the batter.
Baking pan (10” x 15”): The ideal size for an even layer and proper baking.
Parchment paper: Makes cleanup and bar removal a breeze.
Electric mixer (stand or hand): Essential for the silky smooth cream cheese frosting.
Offset spatula: Helps spread the batter and frosting evenly and smoothly.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ready to get baking? Let’s break down this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe step-by-step so you’ll know exactly what to do and when.

Prep your pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your 10”x15” baking pan with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step saves you from any frustrating cleanup later.
Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in your large bowl. Stir well so the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed—this gives you that consistent flavor in every bite.
Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix or your bars could get tough. The batter will be thick and rich.
Spread the batter: Use your offset spatula to smooth the batter evenly in the pan. A nice, even layer guarantees uniform baking and perfect portions.
Bake till set: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check doneness by poking the center with a toothpick — it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The top should be set and lightly browned.
Cool completely: Let the bars cool fully in the pan before frosting. This step is crucial so your frosting won’t melt or slide off.
Make the frosting: Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
Frost your bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled bars using the offset spatula. Add sprinkles if you like for an extra festive look.
Slice & enjoy: Cut into squares and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

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Kitchen Wisdom

Tip 1: Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper; it ensures the bars come out cleanly without crumbling.
Tip 2: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
Tip 3: Avoid overmixing the batter once wet and dry ingredients combine to keep bars tender.
Tip 4: Let the bars cool fully before frosting to prevent melting—the frosting texture depends on it!

How to Serve

The image shows several square-shaped dessert bars placed on a metal tray. Each bar has two clear layers: the bottom layer is a thick, moist-looking, orange-brown cake with a soft texture, and the top layer is a smooth, white frosting spread evenly. The frosting is decorated with small, colorful leaf-shaped sprinkles in red, yellow, orange, and brown, scattered across each piece. The background features a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Flavor Boosters

To amp up the flavor and texture of these pumpkin bars, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on the frosting before it sets. A light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon powder also pairs beautifully. For a festive touch, decorate with colorful autumn-themed sprinkles or mini candy pumpkins.

Perfect Pairings

These bars are fantastic alongside a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. If you’re serving after dinner, a glass of spiced apple cider or a mild dessert wine complements the cream cheese frosting wonderfully without overpowering the pumpkin’s gentle sweetness.

Presentation Touches

For gatherings, slice your pumpkin bars into uniform squares using a sharp knife chilled in hot water for clean cuts. You can arrange them on a pretty platter with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or autumn leaves for a welcoming display. They also make great gifts—wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade treat.

Variations & Easy Swaps

Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical hint.
Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly frosting.
Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra crunch or richness.
Replace pumpkin pie spice with your own custom blend—try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a twist.
Swirl pumpkin butter or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a marbled effect.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make the bars up to 2 days ahead; keep them covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, freeze bars (unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the cream cheese frosting stable.
To serve chilled bars slightly warmed, microwave a single square for 10-15 seconds—it enhances the soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices which will alter the flavor and texture of the bars. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking? They should be set on top and lightly golden brown. If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
What’s the best way to spread the cream cheese frosting? Use an offset spatula for an even, smooth layer without tearing the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh.