Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting | Pumpkin Bar Recipe

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! This easy-to-make dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creamy richness of tangy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You'll Love This Fall-Flavored Dessert

• Perfect for Fall. These pumpkin bars are the epitome of fall flavors, featuring a soft, moist texture filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Creamy Frosting. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of tangy sweetness, complementing the rich pumpkin base.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just craving something sweet and seasonal, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, so you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time in the kitchen.

What Do Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Taste Like?

The combination of the moist, spiced pumpkin bars and the creamy, tangy frosting creates a balanced and satisfying treat. The bars are sweet but not overly so, and the frosting adds just the right amount of richness.

Together, they offer a perfect blend of flavors that evoke the essence of fall, making them a favorite dessert or snack for the season.

What’s The Difference Between Pumpkin Bars And Pumpkin Cake?

Pumpkin bars and pumpkin cake might seem similar, but there are some key differences that set them apart:

Texture: Pumpkin bars are typically denser and more compact, making them easy to slice into squares. Pumpkin cake, on the other hand, is lighter and fluffier, often baked in a round or square cake pan.

Serving Style: Pumpkin bars are often served as handheld treats, perfect for potlucks or parties. Pumpkin cake is more likely to be served as a dessert, cut into slices and eaten with a fork.

Frosting: Both can be topped with cream cheese frosting, but pumpkin bars tend to have a thicker layer of frosting, enhancing the richness of each bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Pumpkin Bars

• Pumpkin Puree- The star of the show, providing moisture and rich flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour- The base that gives the bars structure.
• Granulated Sugar- Adds sweetness to balance the spices.
• Brown Sugar- Provides a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil- Keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Eggs- Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract- Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• Baking Powder- Helps the bars rise, giving them a light texture.
• Baking Soda- Works with the baking powder to ensure even rising.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves- The classic spices that bring warmth and depth to the bars.
• Salt- Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For The Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese- The base for the frosting, providing a tangy and rich flavor.
• Butter- Adds creaminess and helps the frosting spread smoothly.
• Powdered Sugar- Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Vanilla Extract- Complements the tangy cream cheese with a hint of sweetness.

How To Make Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat Your Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Bake the Pumpkin Bars. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting. While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Frost the Pumpkin Bars. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience, and with these tips and tricks, you'll achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

• Flavor Boost. While canned pumpkin works well, using homemade pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and texture of your bars. Roast or steam fresh pumpkin, then blend it until smooth.
• Custom Spice Blend. While pumpkin pie spice is convenient, you can create your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a more personalized flavor.
• Check Early. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.

Variations

Adding a twist to your classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can make them even more special. Here are some variations to try:

• Pecans or Walnuts- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for extra crunch.
• Gingerbread- Add molasses and ginger to the batter for a gingerbread-inspired flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
• Chocolate Chips- Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting.

What To Enjoy With Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a versatile treat that pairs well with various beverages and desserts. Here are some great options to enjoy with these delicious bars:

• Apple Cider- A warm mug of apple cider adds an extra layer of fall flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Vanilla Ice Cream- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the richness of the cream cheese frosting and adds a delightful cold contrast.
• Whipped Cream- A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the bars can add an airy lightness to each bite.

How Long Do They Last?

Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! Pumpkin bars freeze well, even with the cream cheese frosting. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

More Perfect Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Mousse
• Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
• No Bake Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Soup
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

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