Easy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These pumpkin bars are fluffy, moist, and decadent, topped with rich cream cheese frosting for the ultimate pumpkin-season indulgence!

Try my Easy Magic Bars Recipe next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When baking season kicks off, there's no better way to do it than with pumpkin! I have tested and perfected this pumpkin bar recipe so you can nail them every time! This super-moist, pumpkin-spiced dessert with classic cream cheese frosting makes it a must for pumpkin season.

Plus, the simple pantry ingredients and straightforward instructions make it ideal for beginner bakers, just like my pumpkin cheesecake! You can easily halve the recipe for the perfect end to a dinner with family or friends!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the batter

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and a tender crumb to pumpkin bars, creating a fluffy yet sturdy texture that's perfect for slicing.
• Sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness and balances the spice flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the pumpkin flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds classic fall flavor and can be made at home or picked up at any grocery store.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise fully, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
• Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient. My recipe calls for a full 15-ounce can, so there's no waste!
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender. You can substitute any oil you like.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients and provide extra lift.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving a subtle, sweet aroma.

For the cream cheese frosting

• Cream Cheese: Use any fat-content cream cheese for this recipe.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the frosting's sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
• Confectioners Sugar: This sweetens and helps the frosting set for a smooth finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan with cooking spray. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients until combined. Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures, being careful not to over-mix if you want fluffy pumpkin bars.

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the pumpkin bars entirely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

How to make cream cheese frosting for pumpkin bars

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually mix in the confectioner's sugar until fully combined.
3. Beat for a few minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars. Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon on top for a garnished look.

Recipe tips from my test kitchen

I adapted this recipe from my first Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, a housewarming gift from my Mom for my first apartment–thanks, Mom! Let's not talk about how long ago that was, but let's talk about my test kitchen tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps ingredients mix into a smooth batter and helps your pumpkin bars rise evenly.
• Avoid overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
• Use an oven thermometer: Ovens may vary, so an oven thermometer ensures your pumpkin bars bake at the stated recipe temperature.
• When are my bars done? Like cake, the center of your pumpkin bars should be set, a toothpick should come out clean, and the edges should pull slightly away from the pan when done.
• Serving options: Serve the bars directly from the baking sheet for the ultimate convenience, or transfer them to a platter or serving tray for a more polished presentation.

Pumpkin bar recipe variations

• Swap out the oil: Use olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or avocado oil.
• To divide this recipe in half: Use a baker's quarter sheet and check for doneness 5 minutes earlier than the time stated in the recipe. Half the frosting is the perfect amount to frost the pumpkin bars on the baking sheet.
• Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? Avoid pumpkin pie filling, since it contains added sugars and spices that can affect the flavor and texture. Use plain pumpkin puree for the best results.
• Customize the toppings: Add chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or fall-themed sprinkles to make the bars more seasonally festive. You can even skip the frosting and make a simple glaze!

More easy desserts to love

• Olive Oil Cake
• Browned Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Quick Cinnamon Rolls
• Banana Bread
• Peanut Butter Pie

📖 Recipe