There’s something undeniably cozy about the scent of pumpkin baking in the oven, filling your home with the warm, spicy aroma that only autumn can bring. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for those crisp fall afternoons, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a deliciously moist, spiced dessert. These bars are a delightful cross between a cake and a cookie, and their soft, fluffy texture is topped off with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, these pumpkin bars are sure to become your new favorite fall recipe. Inspired by the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, but in a more portable, bar-like form, they’re an irresistible, nostalgic dessert that brings the warmth of the season right to your table.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Pumpkin Bars
Perfect for Fall and Holiday Gatherings
When the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better time to bake with pumpkin, and these pumpkin bars are perfect for the season. With just the right balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess, they’ll instantly transport you to a cozy, harvest-filled autumn day. This recipe is ideal for fall and holiday gatherings like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even a simple Sunday family dessert.
The best part? These pumpkin bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or bringing a dish to a friend’s gathering, they’re sure to be the star of the show.
A Texture That’s Simply Irresistible
If you’ve ever had pumpkin bars before, you know that the texture is key. These bars are soft and fluffy, moist without being too dense, and perfectly spiced. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—create the ideal flavor profile that screams fall, while the pumpkin puree keeps the bars light and tender. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy richness that complements the spiced bars beautifully, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Easy to Make, Even Easier to Love
No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques. These pumpkin bars are quick and easy to make, with just a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step, ensuring that the end result is a perfect batch of pumpkin bars every time. Plus, they bake up in a 9×13-inch pan, making them easy to cut into perfect squares to share.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
This pumpkin bar recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin puree, and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for fall.
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
Making these pumpkin bars is a breeze, and they come together quickly with minimal effort. Here’s how you can create this delicious fall treat in no time!
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake your pumpkin bars. Next, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. Parchment paper works best, but if you don’t have it, simply grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This will create the flavor foundation for the bars.
3. Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and the 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor to the bars, so be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; you just want to incorporate everything evenly until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
5. Bake the Pumpkin Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. If you find the edges are browning too quickly, cover the pan with foil and continue baking.
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan before frosting them. This will prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting off the warm bars.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling, it’s time to make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 2 cups powdered sugar, beating on low speed until the sugar is incorporated. Then, mix in the 1 tsp vanilla extract.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can add 1-2 tbsp heavy cream at this point. The heavy cream will give the frosting a creamier, softer texture, but it’s optional depending on how thick you like your frosting.
7. Frost the Pumpkin Bars
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top using a spatula. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the bars with a smooth, even layer of frosting.
8. Cut and Serve
Finally, use a sharp knife to cut the frosted pumpkin bars into squares. Serve them immediately, or refrigerate them until ready to enjoy. These bars are perfect for serving at any fall gathering or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Prep Time, Baking Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bars instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to beat them into a creamy, lump-free frosting.
- Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft and runny, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up before spreading it on the bars.
- Add Chopped Nuts: For a bit of texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before serving. The nuts complement the flavors of the pumpkin bars beautifully.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the pumpkin bars and store them, un-frosted, for up to 2 days in advance. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
How to Store and Serve
These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pumpkin bars (either frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion: A Classic Fall Dessert
Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that brings the warmth and coziness of fall right to your kitchen. With their perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor and rich, creamy
Print
Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
There’s something undeniably cozy about the scent of pumpkin baking in the oven, filling your home with the warm, spicy aroma that only autumn can bring. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for those crisp fall afternoons, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a deliciously moist, spiced dessert. These bars are a delightful cross between a cake and a cookie, and their soft, fluffy texture is topped off with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugars, oil, and eggs together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. If needed, add heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense bars.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting for a smooth consistency.
- Chill the frosting if it’s too runny before spreading.
- You can add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra texture.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes