Can I make these Pumpkin Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the pumpkin bars up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Frost the bars just before serving to keep the frosting fresh. These bars also freeze well; you can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months and frost it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is the classic topping for these bars, you can swap it out for other frostings such as maple frosting, buttercream frosting, or even vanilla frosting if you prefer a different flavor. For a lighter option, try using whipped cream.

Can I add other ingredients to the pumpkin bar batter?

Yes, you can personalize your Pumpkin Bars by adding ingredients like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or even raisins for extra texture and flavor. For an extra fall twist, consider adding pumpkin pie spice along with cinnamon to enhance the flavors.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

It’s best to refrigerate these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for optimal flavor and texture. While they can be kept at room temperature for about 24 hours, chilling them brings out the best taste and helps the frosting set. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy Fall Recipe

Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487189H28M29S
Total time: PT-487189H28M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 eggs – provide moisture and structure to the bars; 16 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – brings rich flavor and moisture; 1 ½ cups sugar – adds sweetness to the cake; 1 cup cooking oil – ensures the bars stay moist; 2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the cake; 2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the bars rise; 1 teaspoon baking soda – gives the cake a fluffy texture; 2 teaspoons cinnamon – a key fall spice; 1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade) – adds a creamy, tangy topping to the bars

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Soft, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a creamy, tangy frosting makes for a perfect fall treat, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

4 eggs – provide moisture and structure to the bars
16 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – brings rich flavor and moisture
1 ½ cups sugar – adds sweetness to the cake
1 cup cooking oil – ensures the bars stay moist
2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the cake
2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the bars rise
1 teaspoon baking soda – gives the cake a fluffy texture
2 teaspoons cinnamon – a key fall spice
1 can cream cheese frosting (or homemade) – adds a creamy, tangy topping to the bars

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, pumpkin, sugar, and oil. Stir until well blended.
Add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon) and mix until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Notes

Don’t over-mix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
Check the center of the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 394 kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 192mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 41mg