Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the leaves start to paint the world in hues of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese to herald the arrival of autumn. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of the season, embodying the essence of fall in every bite. Beloved at harvest festivals, cherished at Thanksgiving, and adored on any chilly day, these bars bring together the warm spices of pumpkin with the cool tang of cream cheese for a match made in dessert heaven.

Perfect for family gatherings, community potlucks, or a quiet moment with a book, these pumpkin bars are sure to bring smiles and warmth. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, a mug of hot cider, or as a follow-up to a comforting autumnal meal. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your dessert table or a sweet snack to brighten a dreary day, this recipe promises delight.

Servings: Makes about 24 bars

INGREDIENTS:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg

4 large eggs

1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree

1 cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This cozy blend of spices is the secret to those iconic fall flavors.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil until well blended—it should look like a sunset in autumn.

Make the Batter: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just enough to combine everything into a smooth, homogenous batter.

Bake the Magic: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The scent of spices filling your kitchen will be utterly divine.

Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key—the flavors develop beautifully as they cool.

For the Frosting:

Cream the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable, like a soft, sweet cloud.

Frost and Serve: Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and watch them disappear!

Variations & Tips:

Add Nuts: Fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.

Accommodate Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose and use a plant-based oil if needed.

Chocolate Chip Topping: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the frosting for a chocolatey twist.

Make Cupcakes: Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes for adorable pumpkin cupcakes.

Storage: These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them well and freeze pre-frosting. Thaw and frost when ready to serve, perfect for impromptu autumn celebrations.

This Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, sweet embrace of fall, offering a perfect slice of coziness and celebration in every bite.