Pumpkin Bars 🎃🍰🍂 Soft, Spiced, and Topped With Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin bars are moist, tender, and full of warm spice, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for the ultimate fall dessert.

They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or keeping in the fridge for an easy seasonal treat.

Ingredients (Makes about 24 bars)

For the bars

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of cloves (optional)

For the frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the batter

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin purée until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and slice

Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Flavor Variations

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch
  • Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness
  • Use maple extract in the frosting for a maple-pumpkin combo
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosting for a spiced finish

Pro Tips

  • Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting
  • For cleaner cuts, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness
  • This recipe also works in a 9×13-inch pan, but the bars will be thicker and need a few extra minutes of baking

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Bars are a classic fall bake — moist, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting that makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and always disappear quickly.

Mix it. Bake it. Frost it. Taste autumn in every bite. 🎃🍰🍂

🎃 All-Purpose Pumpkin Recipes 🎃

Fall in love with pumpkin all over again! From cozy pies and muffins to cheesecakes, cookies, and savory twists, this collection covers every craving. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of autumn, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Explore All Pumpkin Recipes → – Savory and sweet ways to enjoy pumpkin in every meal.

🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies

See All Classic Pumpkin Pies → – Timeless pies for Thanksgiving and beyond.

🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies

See All Creative Pumpkin Pies → – Unique flavor twists on the classic.

🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards

See All Pudding & Custard Recipes → – Creamy, smooth pumpkin desserts.

🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones

See All Bread, Cupcake & Scone Recipes → – Bakery-worthy fall treats.

🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes

See All Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes → – Creamy cheesecake with pumpkin spice magic.

🍪 Pumpkin Cookies

See All Pumpkin Cookie Recipes → – Soft, chewy, and perfect for fall.

📏 Pumpkin Bars

See All Pumpkin Bar Recipes → – Shareable pumpkin squares for any gathering.

🧁 Pumpkin Muffin

See All Pumpkin Muffin Recipes → – Soft, warm, and full of spice.

🍰 Pumpkin Cakes

See All Pumpkin Cake Recipes → – From simple loaves to layered showstoppers.

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