Pumpkin Bars

This easy Pumpkin Bars recipe comes together with just one pan and a bowl. These soft Pumpkin Bars topped with Cream Cheese Frosting make the perfect fall dessert!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you're a fan of pumpkin desserts, these classic Pumpkin Bars with rich Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try recipe! They have all the cozy warm spices of pumpkin pie spice and are perfect for any occasion. Plus, this is an easy recipe that guarantees best results every time.

I’ve tried a lot of Pumpkin Bars in my life, but these are by far my favorite. The recipe came to me from my sister from another mister and she makes them every year at Thanksgiving, a family favorite that we look forward to! I have taken these delicious Pumpkin Bars full of pumpkin spice flavor to potlucks, tailgates, etc. and they are always a hit!

What You Need

• All Purpose Flour

• Baking Powder

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Baking Soda

• Salt

• Cooking Oil

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Pure Pumpkin Puree

• Cream Cheese, softened

• Butter, softened

• Vanilla Extract

• Powdered Sugar

Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie mix, which contains added sugar and spices.

• Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing.

• Mix the pumpkin mixture until just combined to keep the bars tender and moist.

• Let the bars cool on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting, or it will melt.

Other Delicious Pumpkin Desserts

Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Pumpkin Cookies

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.  Prepare a Jelly Roll (10×15-inch) pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Beat the eggs and set aside. 

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt. Mix and set aside. In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine 1 cup oil, 2 cups sugar, and the beaten eggs until well combined. Add 1 cup pumpkin and continue to mix. Once all wet ingredients are well combined, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix and scrape down the sides until all ingredients are combined. Pour mixture in to the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean. Allow Pumpkin Bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: For Frosting: In a medium bowl combine the 3 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

How to Store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store leftovers in an airtight container or with plastic wrap over the serving tray at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep the Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cake bars are the perfect mix of pumpkin bread and sweet, creamy frosting. Whether you’re making them for the first time or the next time, this recipe is always a huge hit. If you love this pumpkin bar recipe, be sure to scroll down to check out more pumpkin recipes! Enjoy this perfect fall treat and all things pumpkin! They are Forkin’ Good!

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