Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Nothing says fall like a batch of moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. These pumpkin bars are the perfect treat to whip up for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night at home. They’re soft, full of pumpkin flavor, and enhanced with the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. What takes these bars to the next level is the rich, creamy frosting made from butter and cream cheese. Trust us — one bite of these bars, and they’ll become a permanent fixture in your fall dessert rotation.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything from the ingredients you’ll need to step-by-step instructions, plus plenty of tips to ensure your Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting come out perfectly every time. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!

What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious cross between a cake and a bar dessert. The pumpkin bars are moist and tender, packed with pumpkin puree and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Once baked and cooled, they are generously slathered with a smooth cream cheese frosting that adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the warm pumpkin flavors.

These bars are incredibly versatile and can be served as a casual treat, a festive dessert for holiday parties, or even a mid-day snack. They have all the comforting flavors of fall and are easy to make ahead, which makes them a go-to dessert during the autumn season.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar (depending on your desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are incredibly adaptable, and you can make a variety of substitutions to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to help maintain the structure.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for both the bars and frosting. There are several great plant-based options available in stores.
• Healthier Version: Replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit, and try using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Nutty Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the pumpkin bar batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you love more spice, add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the batter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these detailed instructions to bake up a batch of perfection.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they are baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. These spices are what give the bars their distinct fall flavor, so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bars dense rather than light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired, then beat until everything is fully incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

1. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top in an even layer.
2. For extra flair, you can dust the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or decorate with chopped nuts.
3. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

How to Cook Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these bars is all about balance — ensuring the pumpkin layer is moist and fluffy while the cream cheese frosting is smooth and rich. Follow these expert tips for success:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy blending. This prevents lumps in your frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as they’re incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
3. Cool Before Frosting: It’s essential that the pumpkin bars are completely cool before you frost them, or the frosting will melt and slide off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cold Cream Cheese: If the cream cheese isn’t softened properly, you’ll end up with lumpy frosting. Make sure to take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start making the frosting.
2. Skipping the Cooling Step: Don’t rush to frost the bars while they’re still warm. This will cause the frosting to melt and make a mess.
3. Overbaking the Bars: Keep an eye on the baking time. If the bars are overbaked, they may become dry. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here’s how to serve them for maximum impact:

1. For a Casual Gathering: Simply cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a platter.
2. Holiday Presentation: Garnish the frosted bars with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries on top for a festive touch.
3. Elegant Plating: Serve each bar on a small dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can store them in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting firm, then let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a pumpkin-spiced latte.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Layered Dessert Stand: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation at parties.
• Rustic Wooden Platter: Serve the bars on a wooden cutting board or platter for a rustic fall feel.
• Individual Servings: Place each bar in a cupcake liner for easy serving at large gatherings.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
2. Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Love cinnamon? Add an extra teaspoon!
3. Storing the Bars: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stacking the bars, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars. However, it’s best to freeze them without the frosting. After baking, let the bars cool completely, cut them into squares, and freeze them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, defrost and frost with the cream cheese frosting.

Q: How do I store the bars?
A: Store Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. You can bake the bars, store them in the fridge, and frost them the day you plan to serve them.

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which would throw off the balance of the recipe. Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat — moist, spiced, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just to indulge in some pumpkin goodness, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and room for variations, these bars are the perfect addition to your fall dessert lineup. Happy baking!

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