Pumpkin bars are a great balance between cozy and classy. This is a great for beginner bakers because it’s a straightforward recipe with simple pantry ingredients and a delicious secret weapon, canned pumpkin puree. The pumpkin base infused with cinnamon pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting.
Elevate Your Pumpkin Bars with Spices
Cinnamon is a must in the winning combo of pumpkin and spice, but why stop there?
Consider adding:
- Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon for a warm nutty spice that screams fall
- Clove: a pinch to add a a sweet spicy flavor
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon for a subtle kick
Quick Tips
- Use Pumpkin Puree, not Pumpkin Pie Filling, double check the label.
- Don’t overmix, stir until just combined to avoid dense or tough bars.
- Line the pan with Parchment Paper for easy removal and clean up.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting, warm bars will melt your frosting.
Pumpkin bars are a perfect fall treat for a festive gathering but you can make them for a cozy night any time of year. If you like this recipe, try my fan favorite 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 4 eggs
- 15oz can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar to taste
Instructions
Pumpkin Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix until combined. Add pumpkin puree and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt and slowly add to mixer until combined.
- Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Mix in vanilla.
- Slowly add in powdered sugar to taste until mixture is smooth.
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3 comments
Just tried your Pumpkin Bars Rachel, for breakfast w/ coffee. They were delicious & moist. The cream cheese topping was superb 👍. Thanks so much for sharing 🙏
J & A
These were very good! I cut off a small piece because I didn’t want much…but that was short lived…need I say more? Definitely didn’t last long.
We got to enjoy these Pumpkin Bars this week.The frosting was to die for! It was so rich and creamy! These will be become a for sure Holiday favorite or whenever my sweet tooth hits!