Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate cozy-season treat, delivering everything you crave in a fall dessert: moist texture, warm spices, and that irresistible creamy tang on top. Each bite melts in your mouth with pumpkin flavor, balanced perfectly by the silky-smooth layer of frosting. Whether you’re whipping these up for a family gathering, holiday potluck, or just a chill afternoon with a cup of tea, they’re always a hit.

Pumpkin bars are the answer when you want something quick, festive, and satisfying without the hassle of a layered cake. No need to bring out the mixer twice—these bake up easily in one pan and slice beautifully into soft, spiced squares. Plus, the addition of candy pumpkins or a sprinkle of cinnamon makes them a picture-perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Incredibly moist and fluffy thanks to canned pumpkin
• The frosting is smooth, rich, and perfectly tangy
• They’re a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults
• Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
• Easy to transport and serve at parties or gatherings

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What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

Stick to canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) for this recipe. It gives the bars that rich, dense texture and warm autumn flavor without adding extra sugar or spice that could throw off the balance. Libby’s is a solid, consistent choice, but any pure pumpkin puree will do.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the fluffiest, most flavorful pumpkin bars, each ingredient plays a specific role:

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, adding moistness and rich, earthy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of both gives balanced sweetness and depth.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars soft and moist without needing butter.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bars rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that supports the tender crumb.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Help the bars rise to that perfect fluffiness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: Bring warmth and that signature pumpkin spice vibe.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for that luscious frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out both the bar and frosting flavor profiles.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Step 3: Create the Batter

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Smooth the top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Let the pumpkin bars cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Garnish with candy pumpkins or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.

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How to Serve and Store These Bars

These pumpkin bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Their fluffy yet dense texture makes them ideal for slicing into neat squares. Whether it’s a fall bake sale, Thanksgiving spread, or Halloween party, this recipe can easily feed 12 to 16 people.

For storing, keep them covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm and cinnamon-spiced, it’s the ultimate fall pairing.

Hot Chai Latte

The creamy spice of chai balances beautifully with the sweet tang of the frosting.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla on the side makes these bars even more decadent.

Maple Roasted Pecans

Add some crunch with a handful of sweet-and-savory roasted nuts.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or cranberries add a tart contrast to the creamy richness.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Warm caramel sauce drizzled over the bars? Yes, please.

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Double down on the pumpkin spice goodness for a cozy dessert combo.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these pumpkin bars made your day, you’ll love diving into these other irresistible treats:

• Easy Apple Crisp Bars for a fruity crunch.
• Knock You Naked Bars if you’re into gooey, chocolatey layers.
• Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars with sweet summer nostalgia.
• Black Bean Brownies for a sneaky-healthy indulgence.
• Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies when you’re craving something over-the-top.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use candy pumpkins, nuts, or keep it classic? Did you make it for a party or just because?

I absolutely love hearing how others put their own spin on these recipes. Got questions or tips? Drop them below!

Explore beautifully curated seasonal treats on Nora Nosh Recipes and find your next fall favorite!

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