These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat you’ll want to make again and again. With the perfect blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and a creamy frosting, these bars are a hit at family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as an after-dinner treat. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a fun baking project for any skill level. Get ready to enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn right from your kitchen!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

I love filling the kitchen with the wonderful fall aroma of pumpkin, and these pumpkin bars smell divine! I’ve developed this recipe, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro baker or a complete beginner—you can easily make them. They are the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas. But they are also great to take to a potluck or as a tailgate dessert. My tip? Double the batch and freeze some for another day because you WILL want more!

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 10 x 15 inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can easily lift the bars out later.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set this aside for a bit.

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, fully combined mixture.

Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until you get a thick batter.

Add eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla to a separate mixing bowl.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared dish.

Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the center springs back when you gently press it. Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla extract, then mix with an electric mixer until the frosting is creamy and smooth.

Tip: If you chill the frosting in the fridge for about 30 minutes, it will set a bit and be easier to spread and cut.

Frost and Serve

When the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you like, add a light dusting of cinnamon and some sprinkles. Cut into even bars, serve, and enjoy!

Remove the pumpkin cake from the oven and let it cool.

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the pumpkin cake.

For an extra touch of fall, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the frosting. Serve and enjoy watching everyone devour these delicious bars!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Pumpkin Puree or Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to grab pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which can make your bars overly sweet.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference. If your pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon has been sitting in the pantry for years, consider getting a new batch for maximum flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix more smoothly and evenly into the batter and frosting.
Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. It also helps prevent sticking, so you get clean, perfect slices every time.
Mixing: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, don’t overmix. Stir until just combined to keep your bars tender and avoid a dense texture.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting the bars cool completely is crucial before frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and become messy.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too runny, add a little more confectioners sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Refrigerating the Frosting: Chilling the frosting for about 30 minutes can make it easier to spread and cut cleanly, especially if you’re making these bars ahead of time.
Serving Tip: These bars taste great chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Customizing: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of cocoa powder to make these bars your own.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Bars

If you have leftover pumpkin bars or want to prepare them in advance, here are the best ways to store them.

Storing Unfrosted Bars

If you plan to eat your pumpkin bars within a day or two, you can keep them at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their fresh, moist texture. A cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight is ideal.

Storing Frosted Bars

For pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty for up to a week.

Pro tip: they often taste even better a day or two after making, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

Freeze Pumpkin Bars for Later

You can definitely freeze your pumpkin bars! If you’ve made a big batch and want to enjoy them over time, wrap individual bars or portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag.

They’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

More Easy Pumpkin Recipes for You to Try at Home

Gooey Chocolate Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Roll
Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat, blending pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy frosting for a tasty dessert. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or an after-dinner indulgence, this easy-to-follow recipe suits any skill level. The aroma of pumpkin filling your kitchen is just divine! Ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas, these bars are also great for potlucks or tailgates, so consider doubling the batch and freezing some for later!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Add Preferred Source

Prep Time: 12

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 37

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pumpkin bars

Servings:

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

For the Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
3 large eggs
⅔ cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
15 ounces pumpkin puree
¼ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Grease a 10 x 15 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, you'll want to have enough paper over the edges so you can easily remove the bars after cooking.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon, then set aside.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, brown and granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Then, pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and use either a mixer or a whisk until combined, the batter will be thick.
3 large eggs, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 15 ounces pumpkin puree, ¼ cup whole milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake until the center springs back when it's gently pressed, approximately 25 – 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and place your pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add confectioner's sugar and vanilla extract, and, using an electric mixer, mix until creamy and smooth. Tip: Place the cheese frosting in the fridge for 30 minutes so it 'sets' a little and is easier to use and cut; however, you don't have to do this.
½ cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 3 cups confectioners sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
When the base has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the pan, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, and dust lightly with cinnamon and any preferred sprinkles. Cut into even bars, serve, and enjoy!
Sprinkles

Notes

Pumpkin Puree or Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to grab pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which can make your bars overly sweet.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference. If your pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon has been sitting in the pantry for years, consider getting a new batch for maximum flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix more smoothly and evenly into the batter and frosting.
Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. It also helps prevent sticking, so you get clean, perfect slices every time.
Mixing: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, don’t overmix. Stir until just combined to keep your bars tender and avoid a dense texture.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting the bars cool completely is crucial before frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and become messy.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too runny, add a little more confectioners sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Refrigerating the Frosting: Chilling the frosting for about 30 minutes can make it easier to spread and cut cleanly, especially if you’re making these bars ahead of time.
Serving Tip: These bars taste great chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Customizing: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of cocoa powder to make these bars your own.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients you’ll need