Libby’s Pumpkin Bars – Easy Recipe

Rich, moist, and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting, Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate fall dessert that combines comforting spices with a cake-like texture. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or simply cozying up with a seasonal snack, these bars deliver on both flavor and nostalgia. Their light yet dense consistency makes them an irresistible twist between cake and bar, and the cream cheese topping takes them over the top. This recipe yields a big batch, perfect for potlucks or freezing for later indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

These Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are everything you want in a fall dessert — soft, spiced, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They come together quickly and are perfect for large batches, making them ideal for sharing. The batter uses pantry staples, and the pumpkin adds moisture and earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with seasonal spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

With just 40 minutes total time, these bars are also a time-saver during the busy holiday season. Best of all, the texture hits the sweet spot between cake and bar — not too fluffy, not too dense.

Ingredient Breakdown and Their Delicious Roles

• Libby’s Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, deep pumpkin flavor, and signature autumn color
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure, yielding a soft, cake-like crumb
• White Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to highlight the spices and pumpkin
• Large Eggs: Bind the batter and help it rise to the perfect thickness
• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Ensure a light, fluffy rise
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Amplifies the seasonal flavor with clove, nutmeg, and ginger
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors
• Cream Cheese: Forms the tangy, velvety base of the frosting
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cream cheese flavor for a rounded finish

Smart Ingredient Swaps to Fit Every Pantry

• No Pumpkin Pie Spice? Use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour in a 1:1 ratio
• No Butter? Use coconut oil for a dairy-free variation with a slight tropical note
• Lighter Frosting: Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for added tang and fewer calories
• Add Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and nutty flavor

How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bars – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12″x17″ half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
4. Form the Batter
   Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Blend in Libby’s pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Frosting
   While bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until smooth. If too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
7. Cool and Frost
   Once bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 32 bars and serve or refrigerate.

Best Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars Every Time

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep bars tender
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese should all be room temperature for smoother mixing
• Toothpick Test: Insert in center — it should come out with moist crumbs, not batter
• Frost When Cooled: Never frost warm bars — it’ll melt the frosting
• Storage Matters: Always refrigerate bars with cream cheese frosting

Creative Variations and Pairing Suggestions

• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add chocolate chips to the batter before baking
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into batter and swirl for a cheesecake effect
• Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Prefer a crunchy top? Skip the frosting and sprinkle a streusel topping instead
• Holiday Ready: Add fall sprinkles or mini pumpkin candies on top for a festive look
• Pair With: Warm apple cider, chai tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Make-Ahead: Bake, cool, and freeze unfrosted bars; frost after thawing

Autumn Nostalgia in Every Bite

These Libby’s Pumpkin Bars capture the essence of fall — cozy spices, creamy frosting, and a soft cake-bar hybrid that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dessert, Halloween treats, or a simple after-dinner indulgence, they never disappoint.

What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect ratio of pumpkin to spice, and the richness of the cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. For those embracing the flavors of fall, there’s no better way to kick off the season.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Fall Dessert Just Got Easier

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Libby’s Pumpkin Bars. The soft, spiced crumb paired with melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting makes this a must-bake treat every autumn. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own cozy cravings, this recipe delivers both simplicity and indulgence. It’s no wonder these bars remain a beloved classic — they’re rich, shareable, freezer-friendly, and easily adaptable for any occasion.

If you’re only going to make one pumpkin dessert this fall, make it this one — because once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s everyone’s favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

More Relevant Recipes

• Decadent Chocolate Banana Bread: Rich and moist with a deep cocoa flavor, this bread offers a similar cake-like texture to Libby’s Pumpkin Bars. It’s a comforting, sweet treat perfect for cool-weather baking.
• Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: These cookies capture the warm spice profile of pumpkin desserts with a swirled cinnamon-sugar interior and a creamy glaze reminiscent of pumpkin bar frosting.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: Creamy, spiced, and topped with a buttery crust, these cheesecake bars echo the texture and flavors of Libby’s Pumpkin Bars with a luscious twist.

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