Description
These moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting are the perfect way to celebrate the fall season. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting—making them a hit at gatherings or a cozy night in with a hot drink.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
4 large eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a spiced finish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the oil and pumpkin purée until smooth.
Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar and optional cinnamon until smooth.
Frost: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon cloves to the batter.
Store bars in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
These bars can be made a day ahead—flavor deepens overnight.
For a lighter topping, skip the frosting and dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, Thanksgiving treats, spiced pumpkin cake, easy pumpkin dessert