If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, then you’ll absolutely adore this Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars are wonderfully moist and packed with warm spices, making every bite feel like a hug on a cool day. The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance, turning simple pumpkin bars into an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a creamy, light yellow mixture with a thick and fluffy texture. Swirled irregularly on the top is a thin, spiral line of brown liquid, contrasting with the pale color beneath. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple background. Part of another white bowl, filled with white powder, is seen in the bottom left corner, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Everything about this Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is delightfully straightforward, and it’s all thanks to some simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—flour for structure, pumpkin puree for moisture and that unmistakable flavor, spices for warmth, and of course, cream cheese to bring the whole creation to creamy perfection.

2 cups All-purpose flour: The base of your bars for a tender crumb.
1 tsp Baking powder: Helps the bars rise for a light texture.
1 tsp Baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to give rise and softness.
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds the signature warm spice blend for that autumnal feel.
1½ tsp Cinnamon: Enhances the flavor and complements the pumpkin beautifully.
3 large Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
⅔ cup Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist without weighing them down.
1 cup Brown sugar: Deep, caramel notes that pair perfectly with pumpkin.
¼ cup Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
15 oz Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, bringing moisture and that cozy flavor.
¼ cup Whole milk: Adds creaminess and soft texture.
2 tsp Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
½ cup Unsalted butter (room temperature): Important for the frosting’s creamy richness.
8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature): Gives that luscious tang and smooth texture to the frosting.
3 cups Confectioners sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
1 tsp Vanilla extract: Adds extra warmth and depth to the frosting.
Sprinkles (optional): For a fun, festive touch to your finished bars.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 10 x 15 inch baking pan and either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang so it’s easy to lift the bars out once baked. This step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your bars perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Creating this spice and leavening mix upfront ensures that every bar gets an even rise and that warm, fragrant flavor is balanced throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures a rich, moist batter that will hold together beautifully and bake up tender.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a mixer or a whisk, gently combine everything until just incorporated—don’t overmix, but make sure there are no streaks of flour. The batter will be thick and ready to transform into those perfect autumn bars.

Step 5: Bake Your Pumpkin Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. The goal here is an even layer, which helps the bars bake uniformly. Pop the pan in the oven and bake until the center springs back lightly when pressed, about 25 to 30 minutes. Once baked, set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Add confectioners sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until creamy and fluffy. For the best texture, chill the frosting for about 30 minutes to let it firm up, but if you’re hungry, spreading it right away is perfectly fine too!

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once your pumpkin bars have cooled completely, carefully lift them from the pan using the parchment edges. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire top. If you want to add a little extra flair, dust with a pinch of cinnamon or sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top. Slice into bars, grab a friend, and dive in!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of cake arranged on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: a thick, soft, light brown cake base with a textured crumb, and a smooth, white icing layer on top sprinkled with small light brown bits. One piece in the front has a small bite taken out of it, displaying the inner softness and moist texture of the cake. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the cake pieces in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your pumpkin bars to a whole new level. Besides the classic sprinkle of cinnamon, you might try chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a drizzle of melted caramel for extra indulgence. Edible flowers or festive sprinkles work wonders if you want to brighten up your presentation for a party or holiday celebration.

Side Dishes

These bars are pretty spectacular on their own, but they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. Serve alongside fresh fruit platters or light salads if you’re bringing these bars to a brunch or afternoon gathering for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your pumpkin bars into mini parfaits by layering crumbled bars with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in small glasses. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter with toothpicks for easy, mess-free snacking. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes a rustic, charming homemade gift idea!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your pumpkin bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—perfect if you want to make a batch ahead for the week or save some for later indulgence.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, freeze unfrosted bars in a tightly wrapped layer to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then add frosting just before serving. If frozen frosted, be sure to wrap them well, but know that the frosting’s texture might soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

If you like your pumpkin bars a bit warmed, gently microwave a single bar for about 15 seconds, just enough to soften the cream cheese frosting and bring out the spices. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the frosting to melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and ensures consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can make your own blend by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This gives you control over the flavors and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

Yes, you can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a healthier twist. However, oil helps keep the bars moist and tender, so keep this in mind if you choose a substitute.

How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?

Spread the frosting about ¼ to ½ inch thick for perfect balance—enough to complement the spiced pumpkin bars without overpowering them.

Are these bars suitable for freezing and making ahead?

Definitely! This Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds up well in the freezer, making it great for preparing ahead of time for holiday events or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a comforting, delicious experience. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a sweet treat at home, these bars bring the essence of fall right to your table. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find it becoming your new go-to for celebrating the season or any time you want a little warmth and sweetness in your life.