Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Irresistible Reasons

Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Irresistible Reasons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

July 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! Every time I whip up a batch, the warm, spicy aroma fills my kitchen, and it feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. These bars are moist, fluffy, and packed with that lovely pumpkin flavor that just screams autumn! But the real star? That rich, creamy frosting on top—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it takes these bars to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re so easy to make, too, which makes them perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to just a sweet treat at home. I can’t wait for you to try them!

pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting - detail 1

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious pumpkin bars topped with that dreamy cream cheese frosting. I promise, the ingredients are simple but oh-so-delicious!

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for that smooth frosting texture. And don’t hesitate to grab an extra can of pumpkin—you might want to make a second batch right after the first one disappears!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your pumpkin bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it up real good—trust me, you don’t want those delicious bars sticking to the bottom!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, let’s whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I love this part because the spices create such a warm, inviting scent! Make sure everything is well combined; it’s like a little flavor party just waiting to happen.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. The pumpkin puree is really the star of the show here, giving these bars that moist texture and delightful flavor. Oh, and don’t be shy—taste a little bit of that mixture if you want an early preview of what’s to come!

Combine Mixtures

Next up, we’re bringing the two bowls together! Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. You don’t want to overmix it—just stir until you don’t see any flour streaks. This keeps your bars tender, and trust me, you want that!

Bake the Bars

Now it’s time to pour that glorious batter into your greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly—try not to eat the whole pan right then and there!

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling (don’t rush this part!), let’s whip up that creamy frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then, add in the powdered sugar and that extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s super creamy and dreamy—this frosting is the icing on the cake, literally!

Frost the Bars

Once your pumpkin bars have cooled completely (patience is a virtue!), spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over the top. I like to make it a little rustic by swirling it around with a spatula. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for a final touch! Now, step back and admire your handiwork before diving in—these beauties won’t last long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are going to become your new favorite dessert! First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy to whip up—seriously, you can have them ready in just about 45 minutes! Perfect for when you get that sudden craving or need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Now, let’s talk about flavor. These bars are the ultimate fall treat, bursting with rich pumpkin goodness and warm spices that just scream comfort. And that cream cheese frosting? It’s not just a topping; it’s the dreamy, tangy finish that makes each bite feel like a little celebration. Plus, they’re so versatile! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, they’re sure to be a hit. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Don’t overmix: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them fluffy and tender!
Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is at the right temp. You want those bars to bake evenly!
Cool completely: Patience is key! Let your bars cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps keep that beautiful creamy layer intact.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly without lumps.
Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! If you love cinnamon, go ahead and add a little extra. Or try a pinch of ginger for a fun twist!
Storage: If you have leftovers (if is a big if!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days—if they last that long!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly amazing pumpkin bars that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Variations on Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re anything like me, you love getting creative in the kitchen! These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a fantastic base, and you can easily switch things up to keep them exciting. Here are some fun variations that I think you’ll really enjoy:

Nuts Galore: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It adds a wonderful texture that complements the softness of the bars.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate! They melt beautifully and add a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
Spiced Up: Experiment with adding different spices like ginger or allspice for an extra kick! You could even throw in some pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand—just a teaspoon will do!
Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of just frosting, you can create a cream cheese swirl by mixing a little bit of the frosting with the batter before baking. Just drop spoonfuls of frosting into the batter and swirl it gently with a knife.
Fruity Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity burst in every bite. The sweetness of the fruit complements the pumpkin so well!
Maple Flavor: Replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to reduce the amount of oil slightly to keep the batter from getting too runny.

These variations will not only give your pumpkin bars a personal touch, but they’ll also make them even more irresistible! So don’t be afraid to experiment—each batch can be a new adventure in flavor!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these delightful pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown per bar:

Calories: Approximately 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

So there you have it! These bars are a sweet treat, but they’ve got a bit of everything to keep you satisfied. Enjoy them in moderation, and remember that you’re indulging in some fall magic with every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, if you’re lucky enough to have leftover pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting (and I hope you do, because they’re that good!), here’s how to store them properly. First, let them cool completely before you wrap them up. You don’t want condensation building up, which can make them soggy.

Once they’re cool, place the bars in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days—if they last that long! Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to keep that frosting intact.

Now, if you want to reheat a slice, the best way is to pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off and make that frosting a tad melty—yum! Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This gives you that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, and trust me, the aroma will fill your kitchen in no time!

Enjoy every last bite of these delicious bars, whether they’re fresh or reheated. They’re just as delightful the next day, so don’t worry if you can’t finish them all at once!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.