These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a fall favorite! The soft and cakey bars are packed with pumpkin spice flavor and finished with a lusciously creamy frosting. Every time we serve them, someone asks for the recipe!
What’s the best pumpkin dessert? For some people it’s pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, but for us it’s these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! These have become a fan and family favorite over the years because they are just that good.
This pumpkin bars recipe is ideal for any fall occasion. Every time we make them, we cannot stop sneaking bites! All our friends and family adore these, and here’s why:
- These bars are perfectly moist and cakey, with just the right warm-spiced interior from cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
- The lusciously cream cheese frosting is to-die-for. It adds a gooey tang: and it’s the right amount (not too much, not too little).They’re topped off with a lusciously creamy layer of cream cheese frosting that gives a tangy lift to each bite.
- It makes a big sheet pan. It’s great for fall gatherings and entertaining, like Thanksgiving, Halloween, dinner parties, or to pass out to neighbors to spread fall cheer.
Tips for making pumpkin bars
This pumpkin bars recipe is simply a matter of mixing the dry ingredients, the wet ingredients, combining them and baking! Here are a few notes on the overall process:
- Use a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan. This is a non-negotiable! It gets just the right height so they work as bars, not fluffy cake.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This should take 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure not to overbake, or the bars will not be as moist.
- Allow to cool fully before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt when you apply it. If you want to go right into frosting after its cool, set out the cream cheese and butter on the counter in advance.
Notes the cream cheese frosting
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are nothing without that sweet, creamy layer of goodness on top. If you’ve never made cream cheese frosting, it’s simple but requires a few tricks:
- Allow the butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature for 1 hour. You can also try microwaving for a few seconds, but that risks melting the frosting and destroying the texture. If you’re planning to frost the bars right away, you may want to set out the butter and cream cheese while you’re in the middle of baking.
- Sift the powdered sugar. This helps to eliminate any lumps in the frosting.
- If desired, make the frosting in advance. You can save it for up to 1 week. Make sure to set it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before icing the bars.
Storing leftovers
The last thing to know about these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting? They’re best stored refrigerated! While you can store them at room temperature, the frosting holds up best in the fridge. Store the bars refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Dietary notes
These pumpkin bars are vegetarian. For vegan, substitute flax eggs and this vegan cream cheese frosting.
Description
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a fall favorite! These soft, cozy bars are packed with pumpkin spice flavor and finished with a lusciously creamy frosting. Every time we serve them, someone asks for the recipe!
For the pumpkin bars
- 2 cups [280 g] all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup neutral oil
For the cream cheese frosting
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, then whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate about 15 minutes until it comes to room temperature. (Or allow to cool and refrigerate it, then frost before serving.)
- Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting: Let the butter and cream cheese sit on the counter for 1 hour to come to room temperature. Use a fine mesh sieve to sift the powdered sugar into a bowl. Beat the butter and cream cheese with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth, scraping once. Reduce the speed to low, then add the vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar until it comes together into a thick icing. Use immediately or refrigerate until using (stores refrigerated for up to 1 week; allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes and stir before using).
- Spread the frosting on top of the bars. If desired, dust with cinnamon. Serve immediately or store refrigerated. Stores refrigerated for up to 5 days. Freeze the completely cooled unfrosted bars tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fall
- Diet: Vegetarian