If you’re craving a fall dessert that everyone will love, I can’t recommend pumpkin bars enough! Soft, spongy, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor, these bars are my go-to treat for festive gatherings or just a weeknight pick-me-up.
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Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Pumpkin bars are an easy-to-make classic that never goes out of style. They’re signature autumn desserts with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices. What makes these bars truly special is their texture: moist but sturdy enough to cut into perfect squares.
The pumpkin flavor is just right: not overpowering, but distinct enough that you know you’re celebrating the season. You can frost them with a layer of cream cheese frosting on top or keep them plain for a lighter touch. They deliver pure comfort either way.
These bars are ideal for feeding a crowd, bringing to potlucks, or even packing in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. They are luscious and irresistible.
Pumpkin bars pair well with drinks that enhance their warm, spicy sweetness. Coffee, pumpkin lattes, and pumpkin beers, like ales or stouts, complement the dessert’s autumn flavors perfectly.
They also pair nicely with sparkling apple juice, warm mulled wine, hot chocolate, milk chai, or black tea to balance their richness.
For a more elevated pairing, try sweet white wines such as Moscato, Riesling, or sparkling Gewürztraminer. Wines with citrus or floral notes also balance the spices, making them a great match for pumpkin spice rice krispie bars and similar treats.
Here’s how to make the pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves optional
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and pumpkin puree.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for optional toppings.
- Add 1/4 cup applesauce or yogurt to the batter to make it extra moist.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
From this recipe, you can create other versions of these pumpkin bars:
- Nutty Pumpkin Bars add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra crunchy texture.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars include semi-sweet chocolate chips stirred in for a richer, dessert-like treat.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy cheesecake layer swirled into the pumpkin batter for a decadent twist.
- Pumpkin Spiced Crumble Bars use a streusel topping with oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a tender, crumbly finish.
- Glazed Pumpkin Bars are finished with a ribbon of pumpkin spice glaze instead of traditional cream cheese frosting.
- Mini Pumpkin Bar Bites are baked in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or quick snacks.
- Coconut Additions mix in toasted coconut flakes, adding a tropical note and chewy texture to each piece.
- Pumpkin Salted Caramel Bars drizzle homemade salted caramel over the cream cheese frosting for a salty-sweet combo that’s irresistible.