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Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

These moist and tender pumpkin bars are packed with warm autumn spices and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. The soft pumpkin base and creamy topping make them irresistible.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls (medium & large)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Whisk & spatula
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

  • For the Pumpkin Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves optional for extra spice
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter for richer flavor
  • 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 –4 cups powdered sugar depending on desired sweetness and consistency
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the Pumpkin Bars
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  • Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Beat wet ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
  • Combine – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before frosting.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  • Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Assemble
  • Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled pumpkin bars.
  • Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings: 24 bars