Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced—topped with a rich, creamy frosting. A classic fall dessert that’s easy to bake and always a hit!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bars:
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10 x 14-inch jelly roll pan and set aside.
Make the batter:
In a large bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in pumpkin puree, oil, sugars, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
Bake the bars:
Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting:
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Frost and serve:
Spread frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into 18 bars and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a soft texture.
Use sifted powdered sugar to prevent lumps in frosting.
Optional spice upgrade: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
