Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

You know those recipes that vanish the second you set them down at a party? These pumpkin bars are one of them. They're soft, moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting. Basically, they're everything you love about pumpkin cake, but easier to slice and share.

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You're not fussing with layers or piping bags here - just mix, bake, frost, cut, and done. Your friends and family will think you worked way harder than you did.

Why Pumpkin Bars Work So Well

• Moist & tender - thanks to the pumpkin puree
• Just the right spice - warm cinnamon with room to add more if you like
• Bakery-style frosting - creamy, tangy, and sweet
• Crowd-friendly - slice into neat squares, perfect for potlucks or bake sales

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Bars

• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• White sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

For the Frosting

• Butter, softened
• Cream cheese, softened
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar, sifted

How to Make Pumpkin Bars (Step by Step)

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a second bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir this into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.

3. Bake the Bars

Spread batter in a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cake bounces back when pressed. Let cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Mix in vanilla, then gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fluffy.

5. Frost and Slice

Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Tips for the Best Bars

• Cool the cake before frosting so it doesn't melt.
• Use room temp butter and cream cheese for a lump-free frosting.
• Line your pan with parchment for easier slicing and cleanup.
• Add extra spice (nutmeg, ginger, or cloves) if you like a stronger fall flavor.

How to Store

• Room temp: 1-2 days if it's cool inside
• Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then frost after thawing

When to Serve Pumpkin Bars

• Thanksgiving dessert spread
• Halloween parties
• Bake sales
• Family dinners
• Afternoon coffee or tea

Quick Recap

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and easy to make. They bring all the cozy fall flavors you love, without the hassle of a fancy cake. One bowl, one pan, and a little frosting magic - that's all it takes.

📌 Save this recipe to Pinterest so you'll have it ready every fall!

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