Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting to Delight You

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! They are like a warm hug on a chilly day, and every bite is an explosion of pumpkin goodness that makes you feel all cozy inside. I remember the first time I made them – it was autumn, and the house was filled with the irresistible aroma of spices and sweetness. Trust me, if you’re a fan of fall flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for these bars!

What I love most is the texture: they’re soft and moist, with just the right amount of chewiness. And then there’s that creamy frosting on top – it’s the perfect balance to the warm pumpkin flavor. The tanginess from the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness beautifully, making it absolutely addictive. Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a piece every time I walk by the kitchen. You’ll want to make a double batch because they vanish quickly!

So, whether you’re gearing up for a festive gathering or just need a sweet treat for yourself, these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Ingredients List

Gather up these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up the most scrumptious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade – your choice!)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened (trust me, this is key for that creamy frosting!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature – it makes mixing so much easier and gives you that smooth, velvety frosting we all love. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and make these delightful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our pumpkin bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. I love using a whisk for this part – it gets the job done quickly!
Next, crack in those two large eggs and mix them in thoroughly. The eggs help bind everything together and add moisture, so don’t skip this step!
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture is where the magic of flavor comes from, and I always recommend sifting it to avoid clumps!
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture. I usually do this in thirds, folding it in gently to keep the batter light and airy. You don’t want to overmix it – just combine until there are no dry spots.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased baking pan. I like to use a 9×13 inch pan for these bars. Spread it evenly with a spatula, and make sure to get those corners!
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is important because it allows them to set up nicely before we slather on that dreamy cream cheese frosting.
While the bars are cooling, you can whip up the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens – it should be fluffy and delicious!
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to get it to the perfect spreading consistency.
Once the pumpkin bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Feel free to be generous – the more, the merrier!
Now, slice them into squares, and you’re all set for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!

And there you have it! Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting ready to be devoured. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share (if you can)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the perfect blend of warm pumpkin spice and creamy frosting – an absolute flavor explosion!
These bars are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers – you won’t believe how quickly they come together!
They’re super moist and soft, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Great for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet surprise for family – trust me, they’ll be the star of the dessert table!
The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that takes these bars to the next level.
They can easily be made ahead of time and stored, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!
Feel free to customize the spices or add nuts for an extra crunch – it’s all about making them your own!

Tips for Success

Alright, before you dive in, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect every time!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates that dreamy frosting!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and tender, right?
Check for Doneness: Ovens can be tricky, so keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. If a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s perfect – don’t wait for it to come out completely clean!
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and gives you that beautiful, thick layer we all love.
Customize Your Spices: If you like a little more kick, feel free to add extra cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves! Make it your own!
Storage Matters: Store your frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer. They actually taste even better after a day or two – if they last that long!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up some delicious pumpkin bars that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these amazing pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! While they’re definitely a treat, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per bar:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. If you’re looking to make them a bit lighter, you can always tweak the frosting or reduce the sugar slightly. But honestly, who can resist that creamy topping? Enjoy these bars as a delicious part of your fall festivities, and remember that a little indulgence is part of the fun!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some leftover pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting? Lucky you! These bars are actually great for storing, so let’s make sure you keep them fresh and delicious!

First off, you’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. I usually pop them in the fridge, and they can stay there for up to a week. Trust me, they might even taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!

If you’re thinking about saving them for longer, you can freeze these pumpkin bars! Just make sure they’re completely cooled first. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up well for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat – they’re perfectly tasty chilled!

And if you do want to warm them up a bit, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the frosting might get too melty. Enjoy your sweet treats whenever the craving hits!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until it’s smooth. Fresh pumpkin can have a slightly different moisture content, so keep an eye on your baking time!

How do I store leftover pumpkin bars?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors develop. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just know that the flavor and texture might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips make a fantastic addition. Just fold them in gently after mixing your batter for some extra texture and flavor!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if there’s something specific you’d like to know. Happy baking!

Call to Action

Now that you’ve made these delightful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Did you add any special twists or toppings? Maybe you whipped up a batch for a gathering or just for yourself – either way, your experience matters! Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. I’m always excited to read about your baking adventures!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t hesitate to rate it, too! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious treats for all of us to enjoy. Plus, sharing the love means we can all keep discovering new baking inspirations together. Thank you for being part of this sweet journey, and happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.