The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced treat that’s not only bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin but also topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. That’s exactly what you get with The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! These bars are a blend of earthy sweetness and creamy tang, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings, these bars are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Fun fact: pumpkin is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and adds moisture to baked goods, making them irresistibly soft!

I’ve shared many dessert recipes on this blog — like my famous chocolate chip cookies — but these pumpkin bars hold a special place in my heart for their simplicity and the joy they bring to any occasion. Once you try them, I promise you’ll understand why they are a go-to treat in my house during cooler months!

What is The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

So why are we calling these bars “The Best”? Well, have you ever had a dessert that makes you want to keep a secret recipe under lock and key? The story goes that my friend whipped these up for a family potluck, and as soon as I tasted them, I lost my train of thought. Who needs directions when the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? These bars are rich, moist, and so easy to make that you might just want to double the batch. Ready to impress your family with an unforgettable dessert? Let’s dive into this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

First off, the main highlight of The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is their unbelievably moist texture combined with the rich, creamy topping that makes every bite a true delight. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as these bake—it’s pure comfort! Next, cooking at home provides significant cost-saving benefits compared to purchasing desserts at your local bakery, and you get the personal touch only a homemade treat can offer.

These pumpkin bars are essential for scrumptious gatherings, especially when compared to traditional cakes or cookies. Trust me, once you put these on the table, everyone will want the recipe. So, grab your mixing bowl and be ready to win hearts!

How to Make The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Quick Overview

Making The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only easy, but it’s also immensely satisfying. You’ll enjoy a delightful combination of tender, spiced pumpkin bars that are frostily topped with cream cheese goodness. The best part? The prep time is just about 15 minutes, with the total baking time of 25-30 minutes. You’ll have a delicious treat ready to be devoured in no time!

Key Ingredients for The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these bars:

Ingredients

• For the Pumpkin Bars:
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (optional: use a Halal-friendly butter alternative)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (use a Halal-certified extract)

These ingredients are sure to create a stunning treat that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Blend Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or use parchment paper for easy removal) and pour the batter in, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
9. Frost: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Change Up the Flours: If you’re in the mood for a twist, try using half whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for a crunch, but always ensure any nuts used are Halal-certified.
• Don’t Skip the Cooling: It’s crucial to allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Use a Timer: Baking can be tricky; keep an eye on your bars and do a toothpick test to make sure they’re not underbaked.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once you’ve made your The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-lock bag. They can be frozen for up to two months.

When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy chilled or allow to come to room temperature. For a warm indulgent treat, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Now that you have the complete guide to making The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to get cooking! Your kitchen, and your family, will thank you! Happy baking!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously moist pumpkin bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for family gatherings and cooler months.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baking

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (optional: use a Halal-friendly butter alternative)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (use a Halal-certified extract)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and pour the batter in, spreading it evenly.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
3. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Serving

1. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For added nutrition, try using half whole wheat flour. Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for a crunch. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.