There’s something magical about pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that enchants the senses. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced pumpkin bar topped with a luscious cream cheese layer that melts in your mouth. The warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg waft through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy autumn day, even if it’s just a Tuesday in July.
Every time I whip up these delightful treats, I’m reminded of my first baking adventure with my grandmother. We would huddle in her kitchen, flour clouds rising as we laughed and spilled more than we baked. These bars are perfect for any occasion: family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll savor every last crumb and be back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are super easy to make and always impress family and friends
- They boast a delightful blend of spices that complement the pumpkin perfectly
- The vibrant orange color makes them visually irresistible on any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just in fall!
I remember the first time I served these at a family gathering; everyone was raving about them long after they disappeared.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or fresh puree; fresh has a richer flavor that shines in these bars.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it for lighter bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust based on your taste preferences.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise to fluffy perfection.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; fresh ground works wonders.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Salt: Balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
Eggs: They bind everything together; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender—your taste buds will thank you!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting; use full-fat for creaminess that spreads beautifully.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it that smooth texture we all love.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds an aromatic touch to both batter and frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. This step brings out all those delightful spice aromas.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just blended—overmixing can lead to dense bars.
Bake Your Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake!
Create Cream Cheese Frosting: While waiting for your bars to cool completely, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and dreamy.
Frost & Serve: Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over your pumpkin bars. Cut them into squares and serve—they’re perfect at room temperature or chilled!
Enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting as much as I do! You’ll find yourself making them again and again.
You Must Know
- Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a fall favorite, combining warm spices with creamy sweetness
- The texture should be moist but firm, making them perfect for any gathering
- Don’t forget to savor the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best pumpkin bars, mix dry ingredients first, then combine with wet ingredients. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This sequence ensures even mixing and perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap plain flour for whole wheat for added nutrition. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Customizing adds your unique signature to these delicious pumpkin bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To enjoy warm, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned; it makes a noticeable difference
- Always check your baking powder’s freshness to avoid flat bars
- Lastly, let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
There was that one Thanksgiving when I made these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for my family, and they disappeared within minutes! My cousin even asked if I had sprinkled some magic dust on them because they were gone faster than you could say “pumpkin spice latte.”
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works fine but fresh gives better flavor.
How long do these pumpkin bars stay fresh?
They last up to a week in the fridge if stored properly.
Can I freeze pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of autumn to any occasion. These soft, spiced bars are topped with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence on a cozy afternoon, these bars will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Combine with the dry ingredients until just blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Once cooled, frost the bars generously and slice into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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