Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe
There are some culinary memories that are deeply etched into our minds, often linked to cherished family gatherings. For me, growing up, autumn meant two things were guaranteed at my grandma’s house during family functions: an abundance of Apple Bars when the season was right, and my aunt’s legendary pumpkin bars. While my grandma’s kitchen always featured nuts in almost everything—from cookies and brownies to rich fudge—it was my aunt’s pumpkin bars that truly stole the show.
Her pumpkin bars weren’t just a dessert; they were a fall tradition. There was an undeniable magic in every bite. Perhaps it was the velvety, rich homemade cream cheese frosting that topped them so generously, or maybe it was an extra touch of spice she secretly added to the batter. Whatever her special trick, these bars were always exceptionally flavorful, moist, and utterly irresistible. They embodied the warmth and coziness of the autumn season, making every gathering feel even more special.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you the very pumpkin bars recipe that shaped my childhood autumns. This is a truly classic recipe, crafted from scratch, and it captures all the delightful flavors and comforting textures that define fall baking. These bars are wonderfully light and fluffy, bursting with a harmonious blend of aromatic fall spices. And, of course, they are crowned with a luscious, tangy homemade cream cheese frosting that truly brings the entire dessert together, elevating it from great to absolutely amazing!
While many pumpkin bar recipes often suggest starting with a pre-made cake mix for convenience, this recipe proudly stands apart. We’re going completely from scratch here, ensuring the freshest flavors and a superior texture that simply can’t be replicated with a mix. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of “from scratch”; these pumpkin bars are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them accessible even for novice bakers. The extra effort is minimal, but the reward in taste and homemade goodness is immeasurable.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pumpkin Bars
When you glance at the full list of ingredients for these delightful pumpkin bars and their accompanying cream cheese frosting, it might seem a bit extensive. However, don’t let that deter you! Each component plays a crucial role in creating the signature flavor and texture of this beloved fall treat. Moreover, the process of combining them is straightforward and far less daunting than it appears.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bar, providing structure.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and tenderness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the bars their light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, & Cloves: This quartet of spices creates the quintessential warm, inviting fall flavor profile. Each spice contributes its unique character, from cinnamon’s sweetness to ginger’s subtle heat, nutmeg’s warmth, and cloves’ rich aroma.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and contributes to the bars’ tender crumb.
- Eggs: Act as binders and add richness to the batter.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor. Ensure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
For the Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it forms the tangy base of our frosting.
- Butter: Also softened, it adds richness and helps create that smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For sweetness and a silky-smooth texture in the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- Milk: A small amount can be added to adjust the frosting’s consistency, making it easier to spread if it’s too thick.
While we champion the use of individual spices for a truly custom flavor, for those times when you’re short on time or simply prefer a quick option, you can easily substitute the individual cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves with about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. This convenient blend will still deliver that wonderful autumnal warmth. Similarly, while our homemade cream cheese frosting is undeniably superior, if you’re in a real hurry, a good quality store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used in a pinch, though I highly recommend making it from scratch for the best results.
Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Bars: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
One of the many beauties of this pumpkin bars recipe is its sheer simplicity. You don’t even need a fancy stand mixer for the bars themselves; just a couple of mixing bowls and a sturdy spatula or whisk are all the essential equipment you’ll require to bring this delicious dessert to life. The process is so straightforward that anyone can achieve fantastic results.
- Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a generously sized bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk them together thoroughly. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in your finished bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree until they are beautifully blended and smooth. The oil provides essential moisture, while the eggs act as binders, and the pumpkin infuses the mixture with its signature taste and color.
- Marry the Mixtures: Gently add the wet pumpkin mixture to the dry flour mixture. Using your spatula, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense bars instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable and will disappear during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. This indicates that they are cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the suggested time.
- Cool Completely: This step is non-negotiable for perfectly frosted bars! Allow the baked pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about applying the frosting. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melty, runny mess, as the heat will cause the butter and cream cheese in the frosting to soften and separate. Patience here will be greatly rewarded.
Mastering the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars themselves are forgiving with a spatula, achieving the silkiest, most delectable cream cheese frosting truly benefits from the power of an electric mixer – either a stand mixer or a hand-held electric mixer will do the trick. Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is light, airy, and creamy. This step is essential for eliminating any lumps and ensuring a smooth frosting base. When you start adding the powdered sugar, begin slowly and gradually. If you dump it all in at once, you’ll find yourself engulfed in a cloud of sugar dust! Gradually incorporate it on a low speed, then increase the speed once it’s mostly mixed to beat until wonderfully creamy and smooth.
If your frosting appears too thick to spread easily, don’t worry – this is an easy fix! Simply add a tablespoon or two of milk, one at a time, beating after each addition, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. This little trick will make frosting your cooled pumpkin bars an absolute breeze, ensuring an even and delightful layer of creamy goodness over every square.
Smart Tips & Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Bars
One of the things I truly appreciate about this particular pumpkin bars recipe is that it calls for a full can of pumpkin puree. This is a huge plus because, let’s be honest, who enjoys having half a can of pumpkin sitting in the fridge, waiting to be used up? No more food waste! However, if you do find yourself with extra pumpkin from another recipe, or perhaps you just can’t get enough pumpkin goodness, I highly recommend checking out my chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes. They’re a fantastic way to use up any leftover puree and start your day with a delicious fall-inspired breakfast. Another tempting option to explore is this No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, which also looks absolutely delightful!
These homemade pumpkin bars with their irresistible cream cheese frosting are truly the quintessential fall dessert. They are perfectly suited for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, contributing to a potluck with friends, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. The recipe yields a generous batch, making around 30 servings, so there will certainly be enough to go around for everyone to enjoy. But be forewarned: these delicious squares have a magical way of disappearing quickly, so you might want to bake a double batch if you’re expecting a crowd!
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice:
To keep your pumpkin bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, they really do need to be kept chilled. You can also prepare the bars ahead of time, let them cool completely, and then freeze them unfrosted for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator, then make and apply the fresh cream cheese frosting just before serving for the best taste and texture. Frosted bars can also be frozen, though the frosting’s texture might be slightly altered upon thawing.
More Irresistible Fall Dessert Recipes to Savor
The autumn season is a veritable feast for the senses, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in warm, spiced, and comforting desserts. If you’ve fallen in love with these pumpkin bars, you’ll be delighted to explore more of my favorite fall-inspired treats. These recipes are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave the flavors of the season.
- Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A decadent fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the creamy tang of cheesecake with the warm, spiced crunch of apple crisp.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake: Incredibly easy and packed with pumpkin flavor, this cake is a comforting, fuss-free option for any fall occasion.
- Apple Coffee Cake: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, featuring tender apples and a sweet streusel topping.
- Pumpkin Crisp: A delightful alternative to pie, with a gooey pumpkin filling and a buttery, crisp topping.
- Pumpkin Sugar Cookies: Soft, chewy, and spiced pumpkin cookies, perfect for decorating and sharing.
- Apple Spice Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes infused with apple and warm spices, ideal for individual servings.
- Apple Cider Donuts: Capture the essence of an apple orchard with these sweet, cake-like donuts, often rolled in cinnamon sugar.
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Spiced Buttercream: Fluffy pumpkin cupcakes topped with a rich, cinnamon-infused buttercream for an elegant fall dessert.
Pumpkin Bars
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
13×9 Baking Dish
-
Mixing Bowls
-
Whisks
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 15 oz canned pumpkin
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk, use if frosting is too thick
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or grease well. Set aside
-
In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
-
In a separate bowl mix together oil, eggs, and pumpkin until well blended.
-
Add pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and mix until well combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
-
Let the bars cool completely before frosting
To make frosting
-
Beat butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and sugar, beat until creamy. If frosting is too thick add milk to make it easy to spread.
-
Once bars are completely cool, spread with frosting. Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram