The Best Homemade Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Guide
As autumn leaves turn vibrant hues and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s a unique comfort that only homemade pumpkin bars can bring. These aren’t just any pumpkin bars; this recipe yields extraordinarily moist, perfectly spiced, and utterly irresistible bars crowned with a luxurious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re seeking a delightful afternoon treat, an impressive dessert for your Thanksgiving feast, or simply a taste of fall, these pumpkin bars are destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. They capture the essence of the season in every bite, promising warmth, spice, and pure indulgence.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. It combines pantry staples with the star ingredient – pumpkin puree – to create a tender, cake-like bar that’s robustly flavored with classic fall spices. The contrast between the rich pumpkin base and the sweet, slightly tart cream cheese frosting creates a harmonious balance that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Get ready to bake a batch that will fill your home with an inviting aroma and your heart with autumnal joy!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
Crafting these delectable pumpkin bars begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature moist texture, rich flavor, and velvety frosting. Pay attention to the details, especially regarding ingredient temperature for the frosting, as it makes all the difference in the final outcome. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a sensational fall dessert:
- Flour. For the structure of our moist bars, all-purpose flour is the standard choice. If you’re looking for an even lighter and more tender crumb, cake flour can be a fantastic alternative. For those with dietary restrictions, a high-quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend works wonderfully; just ensure to let the batter rest a bit longer before baking.
- Fine sea salt. A crucial flavor enhancer, a small amount of fine sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the pumpkin and spices, ensuring your dessert isn’t just sweet but truly flavorful.
- Baking soda & baking powder. This dynamic duo of leavening agents is key to giving our pumpkin bars their irresistible fluffy and moist texture. They react to create air pockets, making the bars tender and light.
- Pumpkin pie spice. This blend of warm spices is the heart of the pumpkin bar’s flavor. If you don’t have a pre-made mix, you can easily create your own with a ratio of 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon ground ginger, ⅜ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ⅜ teaspoon ground cloves. Ensure your spices are fresh for the most potent and delightful aroma.
- Pumpkin purée. You will need one standard 15-oz (425g) can of pure pumpkin purée. It’s crucial to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling contains added sugars and spices that would alter the recipe’s balance. Pure pumpkin provides moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Oil. A neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil or a light olive oil, is preferred. It contributes to the bars’ incredible moisture without imparting any dominant flavor of its own, letting the pumpkin and spices shine.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar. The combination of these two sugars is essential for both flavor and texture. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to a crispier edge, while brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and extra moisture, resulting in a wonderfully tender and chewy bar.
- Eggs. Large eggs bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to the rich, moist texture of the bars. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with the other wet ingredients.
- Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste adds a layer of aromatic warmth that enhances both the pumpkin bars and the cream cheese frosting, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Butter. For the luscious cream cheese frosting, room temperature butter is a must. You can use regular unsalted butter, or if preferred, a high-quality vegan butter stick (ensure it has an 80% fat content). If using unsalted butter, a tiny pinch of salt in the frosting can help balance the sweetness.
- Cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia brand, is recommended for the best texture and flavor in the frosting. For a dairy-free option, a good quality dairy-free cream cheese (such as Violife) works wonderfully, maintaining that signature tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar. Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the cream cheese frosting, giving it a smooth, lump-free consistency.
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Bars from Scratch
Baking these delightful pumpkin bars is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly moist and flavorful bars every time. Precision in measurements and careful mixing are key to achieving that signature tender crumb.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at a consistent temperature when the batter goes in, promoting even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly, then lining it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment paper on the sides to create “handles,” which will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan for frosting and slicing.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent texture and flavor in every bite. Set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients until smooth. In a separate, larger bowl, add the pure pumpkin purée, neutral-flavored oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to combine these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated. This step ensures that the sugars dissolve properly and all the liquid components are evenly distributed, creating a homogenous base for the batter.
Step 4: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix carefully, either by hand with a spatula or with an electric mixer on the lowest speed, just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough or dense bars. A few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake to perfection and cool completely. Pour the evenly mixed batter into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out to an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step; attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melty mess!
Step 6: Prepare the silky cream cheese frosting. While the pumpkin bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and cream cheese. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely creamy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue scraping the bowl as needed. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute until the frosting is smooth and wonderfully airy. The key here is room temperature ingredients for a lump-free, spreadable frosting.
Step 7: Assemble and serve. Once the pumpkin bars are entirely cool (this is non-negotiable for the frosting not to melt!), gently lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Carefully peel back the parchment paper. Evenly spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled pumpkin bars using an offset spatula. For neat slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Keep the finished pumpkin bars refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, as the cream cheese frosting is perishable.
Top Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin bars at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips. These insights will guide you through common pitfalls and ensure your bars are consistently moist, flavorful, and perfectly frosted.
Use pure pumpkin purée, not pie filling. This is perhaps the most critical tip for authentic pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin pie filling is a pre-mixed product that already contains spices, sugar, and sometimes other additives. Using it in this recipe would throw off the carefully balanced flavors and sweetness. Always double-check the label to confirm you are buying pure, unsweetened pumpkin purée for the best results.
Ensure your spices are fresh. The vibrancy of your pumpkin bars’ flavor heavily relies on the freshness of your spices. Spices, especially ground ones, lose their potency over time. If your pumpkin pie spice jar has been sitting in your pantry for years, it’s time for a new one. Freshly ground spices or a recently opened jar will provide a much more aromatic and flavorful experience, truly highlighting the cozy notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing is a common mistake that can lead to dry, dense, or tough baked goods. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them only until they are just incorporated and no pockets of dry flour remain. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which creates a chewy rather than tender texture, detracting from the desired moistness of the pumpkin bars.
Check for doneness accurately. Oven temperatures can vary significantly, even within the same brand. To prevent overbaking, start checking your pumpkin bars for doneness at the 28-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they are done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test. Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly, so pull them out as soon as they reach the perfect point.
Bring ingredients to room temperature for frosting. For the smoothest, creamiest cream cheese frosting, both your butter and cream cheese must be at room temperature. This allows them to combine seamlessly without lumps and whip up into an airy, fluffy consistency. Cold ingredients will result in a lumpy, difficult-to-spread frosting. Take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to make the frosting.
Cool bars completely before frosting. Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting. Spreading cream cheese frosting on warm pumpkin bars will cause it to melt and slide off, creating a runny mess. Allow your bars to cool completely to room temperature, which can take several hours, or even overnight, before you apply the frosting. This ensures a beautifully set, firm layer of frosting.
Consider your baking pan. A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, yielding bars of a good thickness. If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and require a longer baking time. If using a larger pan, they will be thinner and bake faster. Adjust baking times accordingly and always rely on the toothpick test for accuracy.
Creative Topping Ideas for Your Pumpkin Bars
While the classic cream cheese frosting is undeniably delicious, these moist pumpkin bars are incredibly versatile and can be adorned with a variety of toppings to suit any preference or occasion. Here are some fun and flavorful ideas to elevate your fall dessert:
- Buttercream frosting. If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or need a dessert that can be left at room temperature for longer periods, a good old-fashioned buttercream frosting is a perfect alternative. It’s sweet, rich, and can be flavored with a touch of extra vanilla or even maple extract.
- Whipped cream. For a lighter, airier topping, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful cloud-like texture and balances the richness of the bars. You can sweeten it lightly or add a hint of cinnamon for an extra touch of spice.
- Chopped nuts. Enhance the texture and flavor by sprinkling finely chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the frosting. Toasted nuts offer a wonderful crunch and a deeper, more robust flavor that complements the warm spices in the pumpkin bars.
- Caramel drizzle. For an indulgent twist, a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted bars adds a gooey, sweet, and slightly salty complexity that is simply divine.
- Chopped chocolate. If you love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, finely chopped chocolate (dark, milk, or white) can be sprinkled on top of the frosting. It adds a lovely visual appeal and a burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Powdered sugar. For those who prefer a simpler, less rich dessert, skip the frosting altogether and opt for a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. It offers just a hint of sweetness and an elegant finish, allowing the pure flavor of the pumpkin bars to shine.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: For an extra special touch, make some candied pecans or walnuts and scatter them over the frosting. Their sweet, crunchy coating provides a delightful contrast.
Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Bars
Proper storage is essential to keep your pumpkin bars fresh, moist, and delicious, especially given the creamy, perishable frosting. Because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars require refrigeration to maintain their quality and safety. Once frosted, transfer the bars to an airtight container. This will protect them from drying out and absorbing other odors from your refrigerator. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, these delightful pumpkin bars will stay fresh and tasting fantastic for up to 4 days. If you’ve opted for a shelf-stable frosting like a simple powdered sugar dusting or a non-dairy buttercream, they might last a bit longer at cool room temperature, but with cream cheese, refrigeration is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars
Here are answers to some common questions about making, storing, and customizing your pumpkin bars, ensuring you have all the information you need for baking success.
Yes, absolutely! Freezing is an excellent option if you’re planning to make these bars ahead of time for a special occasion or if you have leftovers you wish to preserve for longer than 4 days. To freeze them, first ensure the bars are completely cooled and frosted. Then, individually wrap each pumpkin bar tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before serving. This gentle thawing process helps maintain their moist texture.
While you can certainly make your own pumpkin purée from scratch by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin, it’s generally recommended to stick with canned pure pumpkin purée for this recipe. Canned pumpkin purée has a more consistent moisture content and density, which is crucial for the baking chemistry of the bars. Homemade pumpkin purée can vary significantly in water content, potentially leading to a denser or drier bar than intended. If you do use homemade, you might need to strain it slightly to remove excess moisture for a texture closer to canned, but for best results, the consistent nature of canned pure pumpkin is preferred.
Yes, you can absolutely make these delicious pumpkin bars gluten-free! The swap is incredibly simple. Just replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend. My personal favorite and highly recommended option is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, which tends to yield excellent results in baked goods. After mixing your batter with gluten-free flour, it’s a good practice to let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes before pouring it into the pan and baking. This resting period allows the gluten-free flours to properly hydrate, which helps prevent a gritty texture and contributes to a softer, more cohesive bar.
Yes, this pumpkin bars recipe can easily be adapted to be dairy-free! The only component that traditionally contains dairy is the cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting dairy-free, you can use vegan butter sticks (look for brands with 80% fat content for best results) and dairy-free cream cheese (Violife is a great option). Alternatively, if you’re not keen on dairy-free cream cheese, you could opt for a dairy-free buttercream frosting, which is equally delicious and customizable. Or, for a truly simple approach, you can serve the pumpkin bars without any frosting at all, perhaps with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Yes, absolutely. Due to the dairy content in the cream cheese, the frosting is perishable and must be kept refrigerated. Cream cheese frosting should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety reasons. To maintain the freshness, texture, and safety of your pumpkin bars, always store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you desire a shelf-stable pumpkin bar that can be left out longer, your best bet is to substitute the cream cheese frosting with a traditional buttercream frosting (made with shortening or dairy-free butter if needed) or simply dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar.
Absolutely! While these pumpkin bars are fantastic as is, they also serve as a wonderful base for various mix-ins. Consider folding in about ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even dried cranberries or raisins into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. These additions can add extra texture and bursts of flavor, making each bite even more exciting. Just be careful not to overmix when adding them to keep the bars tender.
More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Season
If you’ve fallen in love with these pumpkin bars and find yourself craving more of that delightful fall flavor, you’re in luck! Pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some more pumpkin recipes that are sure to satisfy your autumnal cravings and expand your baking repertoire:
- This gluten-free pumpkin bread is a marvel of texture and taste – incredibly tender, perfectly moist, and spiced just right. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, proving that gluten-free can be every bit as delicious.
- For a show-stopping holiday dessert, my dairy-free pumpkin pie is a true masterpiece. It features a rich, creamy filling nestled in a crisp, golden crust, offering all the classic flavors without the dairy. If you adhere to a strict vegan diet and avoid eggs, consider making this equally delicious vegan pumpkin pie instead.
- If you’re seeking something a little different from the traditional, these pumpkin blondies offer a chewy, caramel-like base infused with pumpkin spice, a delightful alternative to brownies. Or, for the ultimate indulgence, these pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies beautifully marry the richness of chocolate brownies with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake and pumpkin spice. Both are perfect for sharing at gatherings!
- And if your palate craves a savory break from all the sweet pumpkin treats, this creamy vegan pumpkin soup is an absolute must-try. It’s hearty, comforting, and wonderfully warming, making it the ideal dish to cozy up with on a cool autumn evening.
Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars
- 15 oz pumpkin purée
- ⅔ cup avocado oil any neutral flavored oil will work
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Pumpkin Bars
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Set it aside.
- In a large bowl, add the pumpkin purée, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a couple of crumbs. Let it cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, add the room temperature butter and cream cheese to a large bowl and beat until creamy, about 3 minutes, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the vanilla and beat again.
- Spread the frosting on the cooled pumpkin bars. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.