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A close-up of a moist pumpkin bar with thick cream cheese frosting being lifted from a baking tray, showcasing its soft texture and creamy topping.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These moist and warmly spiced pumpkin bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect fall dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (15-ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and fluffy.
  • Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner edges.
  • You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
  • Try add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variety.
  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg