Cozy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe for Fall

Seasonal baking with pumpkin bars always feels like a warm hug from autumn’s embrace.

Cozy kitchens buzz with anticipation when spices swirl through golden batter.

Soft, moist textures promise comfort in every delectable bite.

Sweet cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these bars irresistible.

Memories of harvest festivals and crisp weekend mornings dance through each slice.

Home bakers will love how simple ingredients create such magical results.

You can’t help but smile when these delightful treats emerge from the oven, promising pure deliciousness.

What Makes Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting So Decadent

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday parties, this recipe serves a crowd and guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create a impressive dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Quick Treat Magic: Minimal prep time and easy mixing technique mean you can go from craving to enjoying delicious pumpkin bars in just a short window, making it ideal for spontaneous baking moments.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pumpkin: A smooth and creamy vegetable that provides moisture and rich autumn flavor to the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender texture in the baked dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bars.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and soft texture in the pumpkin bars.

• Flour: Provides the basic structure and foundation for the pumpkin bars.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice that complements the pumpkin flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth, tangy, and sweet frosting that perfectly tops the pumpkin bars.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for your delicious pumpkin adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil

Beat these ingredients together until they transform into a smooth, silky mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Blend in the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon

Mix everything thoroughly until you create a perfectly combined batter with no lumps.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously to ensure your bars won’t stick.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Batter

Transfer the entire batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bars are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the pumpkin bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, spread a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut the bars into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn happiness!

Pro Tips for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use butter or cooking spray to ensure bars won't stick and come out cleanly without breaking.
• Insert toothpick in center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, to prevent overbaking.
• Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes after frosting to help cream cheese set and make cutting precise, clean squares easier.
• Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and better frosting consistency.
• Increase ground cinnamon or add nutmeg and ginger for deeper, more complex autumn flavor profile.

Variations on Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Squares: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Bars: Swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use sugar substitute like erythritol, and make a cream cheese frosting with low-carb sweetener.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange the pumpkin bars on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, whole nuts, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a cozy seasonal presentation.
• Warm Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or hot apple cider to enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the pumpkin bars.
• Holiday Gathering Treat: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or office parties during fall and winter celebrations.
• Dessert Garnish Magic: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a light dusting of ground nutmeg for extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep bars chilled to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents moisture loss and maintains soft texture.
• Warm bars briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin for best results.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these pumpkin bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I know when the pumpkin bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bars are done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Seasonal spice meets creamy indulgence in these heavenly Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert that whispers autumn’s warmth. Comforting layers of moist pumpkin cake topped with silky frosting will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) canned pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup cooking oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting:

• 1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
2. Whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, and oil in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend.
3. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon, stirring until ingredients integrate seamlessly without overmixing.
4. Transfer the liquid batter into a thoroughly greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test which indicates complete internal cooking.
6. Remove from oven and allow the pumpkin sheet cake to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes 60-90 minutes.
7. Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the entire surface using a flexible spatula.
8. Slice into precise rectangular bars, ensuring clean, even cuts for an appetizing presentation.
9. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a healthier twist and subtle tropical flavor.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, as the cream cheese frosting already adds significant sweetness.
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting and becoming runny.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg