Name: Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon-Frosted Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice; 1/8 teaspoon salt; Optional: sprinkles for decorating

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 59 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate fall treat, look no further than this Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon-Frosted Topping Recipe. Imagine a moist, tender pumpkin cake bursting with warm spices, topped with the silkiest cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These bars strike the perfect balance between cozy and indulgent, making them a centerpiece dessert for holiday gatherings, chilly afternoons, or anytime you want to feel wrapped in pumpkin-spiced goodness. From the first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite in every kitchen it graces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, orange-brown batter is held by a woman's hand from the bottom left corner, while another woman's hand stirs the batter with a wooden spatula from the top right. The batter has a slightly rough texture and is swirled in a circular motion inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a reddish-brown cloth is partially visible on the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for these pumpkin bars are straightforward but essential to get that perfect texture, vibrant flavor, and inviting color. Each element plays a unique role, from the fluffy flour base to the rich cream cheese frosting with a cinnamon twist.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender structure your bars need to hold together beautifully.
Baking powder (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Helps your bars rise perfectly for a light texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity from the pumpkin and butters up the crumb.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the sweetness and spice.
Ground cinnamon (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Gives that signature warming spice critical to fall desserts.
Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons): A blend of spices that brings the pumpkin flavor alive.
Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps the bars moist without weighing them down.
Eggs (3 large): Provide structure and a rich, tender crumb.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep molasses notes and moisture.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances sweetness and texture.
Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds complexity and a touch of natural sweetness.
Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 ounces): The star ingredient that gives these bars their moist, vibrant orange base and rich flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Brings a sweet aromatic depth to both the bars and frosting.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the creamy base of the luscious cinnamon-frosted topping.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cinnamon frosting to perfection.
Pumpkin pie spice (1/4 teaspoon for frosting): Continuously infuses that pumpkin-spiced essence.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon for frosting): Balances the sweetness for the icing.
Sprinkles (optional): For a fun and colorful decoration that makes these pumpkin bars festive.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon-Frosted Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and preparing a 10×15-inch baking pan. You can either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal of the bars later on. This little step saves you so much hassle when it’s time to slice and serve.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Doing this first ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your batter for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pure maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully blended into a smooth, thick mixture. This blend brings moisture and that lovely pumpkin flavor to your bars.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix them together until just combined. Your batter will be thick and rich, which is exactly how you want it to be. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so a gentle fold is perfect here.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 28 to 35 minutes. Since oven temperatures vary, keep an eye on your bars and test doneness with a toothpick—the center should come out clean. If the edges start to brown too fast, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, place your pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool to room temperature. Cooling completely is crucial, so your signature creamy frosting won’t melt when you spread it on. To speed things up, after about 45 minutes you can refrigerate the pan briefly.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon-Frosted Topping

Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter on high until smooth and creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat on low to mix, then on high for about 2 minutes to get that luscious, fluffy texture. If you want a thicker frosting, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 8: Frost and Chill

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled pumpkin bars. To help the frosting set up and make slicing easier (without that messy crumble), refrigerate the entire pan for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon-Frosted Topping Recipe

This image shows multiple square pieces of pumpkin cake arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: a moist brown cake base topped with a thick, smooth, creamy white frosting layer. The frosting is decorated with colorful sprinkles in orange, yellow, white, and gold. Some pieces have a small, detailed pumpkin decoration made of tiny orange and green beads placed on the frosting. One piece is standing upright in the center, showing the dense cake texture inside and the thick frosting on top. The overall look is festive and bright, perfect for a fall or Halloween theme. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of festive-colored sprinkles adds a touch of whimsy and color to your creamy pumpkin bars. For an extra autumn vibe, dust a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top or even a few chopped toasted pecans to bring in some crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich and filling all on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk complements their sweetness perfectly. If serving at a brunch or dessert table, fresh sliced fruit like crisp apples or figs can balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a rustic wooden board or pretty platter with some autumn leaves or mini pumpkins as decoration. For a party, serve them in individual mini cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go treat. You can also stack them in layers, separated by parchment paper, wrapped with twine for charming gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some, tightly cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container and refrigerate. These creamy pumpkin bars with cinnamon-frosted topping stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

If you want to keep these pumpkin bars longer, freeze them without frosting for up to 3 months. To freeze frosted bars, freeze them uncovered first to set the frosting, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Reheating

These bars are generally best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve that creamy frosting texture. If you prefer a warm bite, let them sit at room temperature until the frosting softens slightly but avoid microwaving as it can cause the frosting to separate.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You can absolutely use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook and puree it until smooth and drain excess water to avoid thinning out your batter.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, and you should get similar results with careful mixing.

Why is my frosting too runny?

If your frosting is runny, it might be because the cream cheese or butter is too warm, or you haven’t added enough confectioners’ sugar. Chill your bowl and try adding a little more sugar.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream-based cream cheese and vegan butter, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly.

How do I cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife, warm it in hot water, dry it, and then slice. Refrigerating the bars beforehand really helps the frosting firm up, so slices come out neat and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon-Frosted Topping Recipe is truly a fall dessert winner that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its comforting flavors and luscious texture make it irresistible to everyone who tries it. I can’t wait for you to bake these for your loved ones and experience the joy that comes with each bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!