Effortless Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Are you looking for a comforting fall dessert that’s both easy and delicious? These taste-of-home pumpkin bars are just what you need. This recipe, taken from my mom’s cookbook, combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with a smooth cream cheese frosting.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a batch of these yummy pumpkin bars ready to enjoy in no time.

My posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, you will not pay a penny more, but I will receive a small commission. Please read my disclaimer for more information.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pumpkin Bars

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup oil (I use coconut oil)
• 1 16 oz can pumpkin
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

Ingredients Needed to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 6 ounces softened cream cheese

Variations to This Pumpkin Bar Recipe

Raisins: Add 1 cup of raisins to the batter.

Nuts: Mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips.

Coconut: Stir in 1 cup of shredded coconut.

Dried Cranberries: Use 1 cup of dried cranberries instead of raisins.

Apple: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples.

Spices: Increase spices to 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tsp ginger.

Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for regular flour.

Maple Frosting: Replace vanilla with 2 tbsp pure maple syrup in the frosting.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars

1. Be sure your ingredients are fresh: Use fresh baking powder, baking soda, and spices to ensure proper leavening and flavor.

2. Mixing: Beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin thoroughly to achieve a light and fluffy texture. Mix dry ingredients separately before combining to avoid lumps.

3. Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Avoid scooping directly from the bag.

4. Check for Doneness: Check to see if the pumpkin bars are done a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the pumpkin bars are done.

5. Cream Cheese Frosting: Be sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth frosting. Beat them together until creamy before adding powdered sugar to avoid lumps.

6. Cutting Bars: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If the frosting is too soft, briefly chill the pumpkin bars before cutting.

Equipment Needed to Make Pumpkin Bars

Here’s a list of helpful equipment for making pumpkin bars:

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula
• Jelly Roll Pan or Baking Sheet (A 15 x 10″ pan is ideal for spreading the batter evenly)
• Cooling Rack
• Parchment Paper (optional – this makes for easy removal of the pumpkin bars from the pan and cleanup)
• Toothpick or Cake Tester

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin together until light and fluffy.
2. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda, and mix until combined.
3. Spread the batter in an ungreased jelly roll pan.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let the bars cool before frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

With an electric mixer, beat together the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

How to Store Pumpkin Bars

To keep your pumpkin bars fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Airtight Container: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration (Optional): For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing (Optional): For extended storage, freeze the pumpkin bars unfrosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
• Layering: If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQ’s – Pumpkin Bars

What’s the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin filling?

Canned pumpkin is just pure pumpkin with no added ingredients. Pumpkin filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, meant for pies. Use canned pumpkin for recipes that need just pumpkin.

How can I make canned pumpkin taste better?

Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, or a little vanilla, maple syrup, or honey to boost the flavor.

Is there a difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree?

Not really; they are the same thing. Both are just cooked and pureed pumpkin. Just make sure you’re using plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy:

Add a Personal Touch to Your Fall Baking with Printable Recipe Cards and Tags!

Want to bake some pumpkin bars to share with friends or family? Make your treats extra-special with my printable fall recipe cards and gift tags!

These cute cards are perfect for writing down favorite recipes, and the tags add a sweet touch to any homemade gift. They come in cozy fall colors like rust, green, and gray-brown—just right for the season!

Check them out in my Etsy shop to make your baked gifts even more thoughtful!

Conclusion

These pumpkin bars are a simple and delicious way to enjoy fall flavors. With creamy frosting and pumpkin spice, they’re a to-die-for alternative to pumpkin pie. Great for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a new favorite.

I hope you have fun baking these easy pumpkin bars! Don’t forget to share the recipe with family and friends. After all, good things are meant to be shared!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more tasty ideas and tips. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Flipboard.

Short on Time? Pin this recipe for later!!