Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree; 3 large eggs; 1 cup neutral oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese room temperature; 4 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups sifted powdered sugar

There’s something incredibly cozy about these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Moist, warmly spiced bars topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting — it’s a combo that just feels like a hug in dessert form. It’s one of those recipes I find myself turning to whenever I want guaranteed smiles at the table.

The image shows six square pieces of cake arranged on a white plate. Each piece has two layers: the bottom is a thick, moist, orange-brown cake layer with a textured crumb, and the top is a smooth, creamy, off-white frosting that covers the whole surface evenly with slight swirls. The background is a white marbled surface. The focus is soft, highlighting the creamy texture of the frosting and the crumbly texture of the cake photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I make these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it feels like a little autumn celebration in my kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing, but be warned—friends might start asking you for the recipe! Here’s why this one stands out.

Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and oils, these bars never dry out, even after a day or two.
Balanced Sweetness: Using both brown and granulated sugar gives a subtle caramel depth along with just the right sweetness.
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and frost. Great for beginner bakers or last-minute dessert needs.
Cream Cheese Frosting Magic: The tangy, creamy finish turns simple bars into a decadent treat that everyone loves.

The image shows three square pieces of carrot cake with one piece lifted in the center. Each piece has one layer of moist orange-brown cake topped with a smooth, thick layer of white cream cheese frosting. The frosting is spread evenly on the top with soft swirls. The pieces sit on a white plate, which rests on a white marbled texture background. The lifted piece clearly shows the light orange crumb texture of the cake and the creamy frosting on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a role in the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s the lowdown on why they’re worth using — plus a few shopping tips to get the best results!

Flat lay of a smooth mound of bright orange pumpkin puree in a simple white ceramic bowl, three large uncracked brown eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with clear neutral oil, a small white bowl piled with white granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding light brown sugar, a small white bowl containing golden vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with fine all-purpose flour, a few scattered light brown cinnamon sticks alongside a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of baking soda, a small white bowl of baking powder, a soft block of cream cheese placed on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with pale unsalted butter, and a small white bowl mounded with sifted powdered sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—to get that pure pumpkin flavor and ideal moisture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help these bars rise just enough to be soft and tender.
Neutral Oil: I prefer vegetable or canola oil here—it keeps the bars moist without adding extra flavor that might compete with the spices.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and lightness.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens all the other flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure, so don’t swap this for gluten-free flour unless you adjust carefully.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Work together to give the bars a nice lift without being cakey.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that warms every bite beautifully.
Cream Cheese (for frosting): Make sure it’s room temperature for smooth, creamy frosting.
Unsalted Butter: Also room temperature, it blends perfectly with cream cheese adding richness.
Powdered Sugar: Sift well to avoid lumps and deliver that perfect frosting texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe just as it is, but it’s also super flexible. Feel free to get creative and adjust the spices or frosting to match your mood or dietary needs—that’s part of the fun!

Variation: I’ve tried adding a dash of nutmeg and ground ginger for a little extra holiday warmth, which I really enjoyed. You might even toss in some finely chopped pecans on top of the frosting for crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives, and you’ll still get that lush frosting vibe—just maybe stir in a little lemon juice for tang.
Less Sweet Frosting: I sometimes use slightly less powdered sugar in the frosting when I want a more tangy, less sweet finish. You can always add more if desired!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Getting the Batter Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 10 x 14-inch pan—jelly roll pans work perfectly here. Then, in a large bowl, crack in your eggs and beat them just until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, neutral oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s a harmonious, velvety mix.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients Gently

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Then, add this dry mix into your wet ingredients slowly, whisking gently. The trick here is not to overmix—stop once it’s just incorporated. Overworking the batter will make the bars tough, and no one wants that.

Step 3: Baking to Moist Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it for 20 to 30 minutes. Around the 20-minute mark, start checking with a toothpick or skewer—a clean or mostly clean toothpick means your bars are ready. Let them cool completely before moving on.

Step 4: Creating That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, beat your room temperature cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and light. Then add vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar gradually. Adjust the sugar amount to match your preferred frosting thickness. Once your bars are cool, spread this luscious frosting evenly over the top. Trust me, a generous layer is worth it!

Top Tip

From my years of whipping up these bars, I’ve learned a few things that make the difference between good and great. These tips will help you nail perfect bars every time without any stress.

Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Just fold until combined. I used to overblend out of habit, and it always made the texture too dense.
Test Early, Test Often: Around 20 minutes, gently insert a toothpick to avoid overbaking and drying out your bars—timing can vary!
Room-Temp Frosting Ingredients: Cream cheese and butter that are too cold won’t blend well, leaving lumps. Bring them to room temp an hour before you start.
Use a Sifter for Powdered Sugar: It ensures silky smooth frosting, which really elevates the whole dessert.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with classic pumpkin spice dusting or chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top of the frosting for contrast. Sometimes, a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a little festive pop that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

These bars are fabulous on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. They also fit in perfectly on a fall dessert table alongside apple crisps and spiced nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to cut these into small bite-sized squares and place them on a festive platter with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for an inviting look. They also stack beautifully layered between parchment for gifting or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Let them come to room temp before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars successfully by cutting them into squares, placing parchment between layers, and storing in a freezer bag. When I thaw them overnight in the fridge, the texture and flavor remain wonderfully intact.

Reheating

If you want them warm, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) does the trick—just avoid heating too long or you’ll melt the frosting too much. Warming enhances the spice aroma and makes them feel freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Fresh pumpkin can be used if you roast and puree it properly; however, canned pumpkin puree provides consistent moisture and flavor, making it a more reliable choice for this recipe.

How do I avoid a soggy cake?

Make sure to bake the bars fully until a toothpick comes out clean. Also, avoid overmixing the batter which can lead to dense, gummy texture. Cooling the bars completely before frosting helps maintain the right texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can try substituting all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. I recommend adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.

What’s the best way to frost the bars?

Wait until the bars have completely cooled before frosting, or the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth, even spreading.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a warm, reliable favorite in my kitchen. It hits that magical spot between simple and indulgent, perfect for autumn or anytime you want a little comfort dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your own cozy memories around these bars!