Easy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

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

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 bars recipe so you can nail them every time! This super moist, pumpkin-spiced dessert with its classic cream cheese frosting makes this recipe a must for pumpkin season. Plus, the simple pantry ingredients and straightforward instructions make it ideal for beginner bakers. I even included recommendations for a half-batch option, which is the perfect ending to a dinner with family or friends!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the batter

• All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure and a tender crumb to pumpkin bars, resulting in a fluffy yet sturdy texture, 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: This adds classic fall flavor and can be made right 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 it with any oil of your choosing.
• 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 sweetness of the frosting and ties all of the flavors together.
• Confectioners Sugar: This sweetens and helps the frosting set for a smooth finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan with cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake between 25 and 35 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. 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. Continue beating the mixture for a few minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. 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 do 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 wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix just 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 will slightly pull 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: You can 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. The frosting divided in half is the perfect yield to frost the pumpkin bars in the baking sheet.
• Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? Avoid using pumpkin pie filling since it has 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
• Quick Cinnamon Rolls
• Banana Bread
• Peanut Butter Pie

📖 Recipe