These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are soft, warmly spiced, and almost impossible to stop eating. Made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and a rich homemade frosting, they’re an easy fall dessert for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any afternoon that calls for something cozy.
I first shared this family recipe in 2021, but it deserves a permanent place in the fall-baking spotlight. My mother-in-law used to make these pumpkin bars every year, and the pan rarely lasted more than a day. This dish is a family favorite and reminds us of Grandma Mary with every bite.
The bars bake in one pan, come together with simple ingredients, and make enough to share. Their tender, cake-like texture is delicious on its own, but the creamy homemade frosting is what makes everyone reach for a second square.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars
- Easy to make: The batter uses familiar pantry staples and requires minimal prep.
- Soft and moist: Pumpkin purée and vegetable oil keep the bars tender.
- Perfect for sharing: One large pan makes an easy dessert for Thanksgiving, fall parties, and potlucks.
- Homemade frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweet, cinnamon-spiced bars.
- Family-approved: These disappear quickly whenever my mother-in-law makes them, and now they vanish just as fast at my house.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars
Use pure pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices. Measure the flour carefully, and mix the batter only until everything is combined.
Choose a large jelly-roll pan or rimmed baking sheet that lets the batter stay about one inch thick. A pan that is too large can produce thin, dry bars, while a smaller pan may require additional baking time.
Most importantly, let the bars cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. Frosting warm bars will cause it to soften and slide.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 cups Sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 cup Pumpkin puree
Cream Cheese Icing
- 1 pkg Cream Cheese
- ½ cup Softened Butter
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 tsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly
- Pour into large greased jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and frost with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream together cream cheese and room temperature butter
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and milk
- Continue to mix until smooth.
How to Store Pumpkin Bars
Because the frosting contains cream cheese, keep the finished bars covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make pumpkin bars ahead of time?
- Yes. Bake the bars ahead of time, let them cool completely, and keep them covered. You can also prepare the frosting separately and refrigerate it, then frost the bars before serving.
- Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
- No. Use plain pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sweeteners and spices that will change the flavor and texture of the recipe.
- Why do the bars need to cool before frosting?
- Warm bars can melt the butter and cream cheese in the frosting. Cooling them completely keeps the frosting smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Are pumpkin bars more like cake or cookies?
- These pumpkin bars have a soft, moist, cake-like texture. They’re baked in a shallow pan and sliced into portable squares, making them easier to serve than a traditional layer cake.
A Cozy Fall Dessert Worth Repeating
These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are proof that a simple family recipe can be the first dessert to disappear. They’re cozy, easy, and just indulgent enough for the holidays, although I won’t judge if you make a batch on an ordinary Tuesday.
If you’re planning a fall dessert table, pair them with my Pecan English Toffee for another crowd-pleasing treat.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
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