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The Best Pumpkin Bars I've Ever Had

Unlike typical cakey pumpkin bars, these have a perfect sturdy yet soft texture that pairs wonderfully with spiced cream cheese frosting. Made with real pumpkin and warm fall spices, they're ideal for autumn gatherings or holiday desserts.

Paolina baker
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
A plate of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon.
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A plate of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon. | Quickierecipe.com

Perfect Fall Pumpkin Bars

Let me share my favorite fall treat with you. These Pumpkin Bars are absolutely incredible with the perfect blend of warm spices and that dreamy spiced cream cheese frosting on top. They're so easy to serve at parties and trust me everyone always asks for the recipe.

Why These Bars Rock

Y'all these aren't just any pumpkin bars. They've got this amazing texture that's perfectly soft but still sturdy enough to pick up and eat. That brown sugar and spice combo is pure heaven and when you add that cream cheese frosting it's just magic.

What You Need

  • The Base: Regular flour gives these the perfect structure.
  • Rise and Shine: Baking powder and soda work together.
  • Cozy Spices: Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for that fall feeling.
  • Keep it Moist: Vegetable oil makes them super soft.
  • Star Player: One whole can of pumpkin puree.
  • Sweet Stuff: Brown and white sugar plus maple syrup.
  • Richness: Fresh eggs make everything better.
  • Extra Yum: Vanilla extract for depth.
  • Topping: That amazing spiced cream cheese frosting.
A close-up of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, arranged on a wooden board. Pin it
A close-up of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, arranged on a wooden board. | Quickierecipe.com

Baking These Beauties

Start Simple
Mix those dry ingredients together get them ready to go.
Get Whisking
In another bowl mix your oil eggs sugars maple syrup pumpkin and vanilla until smooth.
Bring It Together
Combine everything just until mixed spread in your pan and bake at 350°F about 30 minutes.
Final Touch
Let them cool completely then add that amazing frosting make them pretty.

Make Them Extra Special

Sometimes I just dust them with powdered sugar but that spiced cream cheese frosting is really something special. Add some fun sprinkles pretty pumpkin decorations or drizzle some caramel on top to make them extra festive.

Keep Them Fresh

Pop these in the fridge they'll stay perfect for about 4 days. Just let them warm up a bit before serving. Want to freeze them? They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months just wrap them tight and thaw overnight when you're ready.

Why These Never Fail

These bars hit that sweet spot between cake and bar cookies. They're soft but you can still pick them up easily and that spiced cream cheese frosting is the perfect match for the pumpkin. They're just right for any fall gathering or whenever you need a little comfort.

A plate of frosted pumpkin bars topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A plate of frosted pumpkin bars topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | Quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use canned pumpkin instead of homemade?

Canned pumpkin (especially Libby's) provides more consistent results and better flavor. Homemade can be too watery.

Can I reduce the oil?

Yes, replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for equally moist bars with less fat.

Why refrigerate before cutting?

Chilling helps "set" the frosting, making it easier to get clean cuts without messy frosting.

How far ahead can I make these?

Make up to 2 days ahead unfrosted, or freeze for 3 months. Frosted bars also freeze well.

Can I make my own pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, use a mix of ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice along with the cinnamon called for in the recipe.

Pumpkin Bars

These soft, sturdy pumpkin bars are perfectly spiced and topped with creamy frosting. Not too cakey, with the perfect texture and fall flavors.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 1 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1 teaspoon salt.
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
06 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
07 1 cup vegetable oil.
08 3 large eggs.
09 1 cup brown sugar, packed.
10 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
11 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
12 15 ounces pumpkin puree.
13 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
14 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
15 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.
16 3 cups confectioners' sugar.
17 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
18 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
19 1/8 teaspoon salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Grease 10x15 inch pan or line with parchment.

Step 03

Combine flour, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices.

Step 04

Combine oil, eggs, both sugars, maple syrup, pumpkin, and vanilla.

Step 05

Mix wet and dry ingredients and spread in pan.

Step 06

Bake 28-35 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 07

Beat cream cheese and butter. Add sugar, vanilla, spices. Beat until fluffy.

Step 08

Frost cooled bars. Chill 30 minutes before cutting.

Notes

  1. Can substitute half oil with applesauce.
  2. Canned pumpkin works better than homemade.
  3. Keeps 5 days refrigerated with frosting.
  4. Can freeze up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • 10x15 inch baking pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Large mixing bowls.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
  • Protein: 3g