Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mixed with the rich, moist texture of pumpkin. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting capture the essence of fall in every bite, making them the perfect treat for cozy afternoons, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just when you need a little indulgence. These pumpkin bars are not only easy to make, but they also offer the right balance of spiced pumpkin flavor and rich cream cheese frosting.

Inspired by the timeless fall flavors we all love, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds—soft, fluffy pumpkin bars topped with a velvety, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the spices. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or simply craving a fall-inspired dessert, these pumpkin bars are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

---

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these pumpkin bars. With their soft texture and vibrant flavor, they offer a warm, seasonal treat that’s perfect for any fall gathering. From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dinners, these bars are sure to delight friends and family.

Easy to Make

The beauty of these Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars lies in their simplicity. You don’t need any special baking skills to whip up a batch, and the process comes together quickly. These bars are also versatile—while they shine on their own, they can easily be customized with different spices or toppings.

The Cream Cheese Frosting

What sets these pumpkin bars apart from other pumpkin treats is the addition of cream cheese frosting. The frosting is smooth, rich, and perfectly tangy, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet, spiced pumpkin base. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.

---

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

This recipe for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars uses simple pantry ingredients, but the combination of spices and flavors creates a dessert that’s anything but basic. Here’s everything you’ll need:

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)

---

Directions for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

Making these delicious Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars is as easy as it is satisfying. The whole process comes together in just about an hour, leaving you with a treat that will be the star of any fall gathering. Here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin Bars

Start by preparing the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices is what gives the pumpkin bars their signature fall flavor.

In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Once combined, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is fully combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.

3. Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft and slightly springy to the touch. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the pumpkin bars cool completely in the pan.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step to ensure it’s light and fluffy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

5. Frost and Finish

Once the pumpkin bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bars. You can use a spatula to create smooth, even layers or get creative with swirls for a more decorative finish.

After frosting, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. You can garnish the bars with a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little extra flavor and texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

These bars are best served at room temperature. Serve them immediately or refrigerate them for a few hours before serving. They’ll stay fresh for several days in an airtight container.

---

Why These Pumpkin Bars Are a Must-Try

Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Flavor

The Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars are loaded with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These flavors combine to create the perfect autumn-inspired dessert that brings the best of fall to your table.

Moist and Fluffy Texture

Unlike many pumpkin cakes or bars that can end up dry, these bars are incredibly moist thanks to the addition of pumpkin puree and vegetable oil. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection

What makes these bars truly indulgent is the cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bars, making each bite irresistible. The frosting is creamy, rich, and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spiced bars.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not an experienced baker, these pumpkin bars are easy to make. There’s no need for complicated techniques or ingredients—just simple, straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Plus, there’s no frosting piping or decoration required, so you can have them ready to serve in no time!

---

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars

1. Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling

Make sure you use plain pumpkin puree in this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which would throw off the flavor and texture of your pumpkin bars.

2. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Frosting

It’s important to let the pumpkin bars cool completely before frosting them. If they’re too warm, the frosting will melt and slide off, and you’ll lose that beautiful creamy topping. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before spreading the frosting.

3. Add Extra Spice

If you love bold flavors, feel free to add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or frosting. You can also mix in some chopped nuts into the batter or use them as a garnish on top to add texture and extra flavor.

4. Make Ahead for Busy Days

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This makes them perfect for preparing for a holiday gathering or busy week ahead. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze these pumpkin bars?

Yes! You can freeze the pumpkin bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or place them in the fridge overnight.

Can I use a different frosting?

While the cream cheese frosting is a classic, you can use other frostings like whipped cream or buttercream if you prefer. For a more indulgent touch, try using a caramel frosting for a sweet contrast to the pumpkin bars.

How can I make these pumpkin bars dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the frosting. Make sure to also check the pumpkin puree to ensure it’s dairy-free.

---

Final Thoughts

These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect way to celebrate fall flavors and indulge in a comforting treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday celebration, a cozy family dinner, or just a quiet afternoon

Print