Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a timeless dessert that brings warm fall flavors to the table in the easiest way possible. These soft pumpkin bars bake up like a sheet cake and get topped with a thick layer of fluffy cream cheese frosting. Popular in Amish kitchens and family gatherings, Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe uses pantry staples and classic baking spices for a perfectly balanced pumpkin dessert.
Pumpkin Bars
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ⅔ cups |
| Vegetable oil | ⅞ cup |
| Pumpkin puree | 15 oz can |
| Vanilla extract | 1 ½ tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz, softened |
| Butter | ½ cup, softened |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (Old-Fashioned Recipe)
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and tender pumpkin bars topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. A classic old-fashioned fall dessert perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
7/8 cup vegetable oil
15 oz pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease baking pan.
2. Beat eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together.
4. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
5. Spread batter in pan and bake until done.
6. Cool completely.
7. Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy.
8. Spread frosting over bars and slice.
Notes
Cool bars fully before frosting.
Store refrigerated.
Freeze unfrosted bars if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, pumpkin, and vanilla on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended. Scrape down the sides and mix for another 30 seconds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. The batter should be smooth and pourable.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until light and creamy.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars, slice, and serve.
Helpful Tips:
Do not overmix the batter or the bars may turn dense. Let the bars cool completely before frosting for the best texture. Store chilled for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall dessert for feeding a crowd. Soft, moist, and lightly spiced, these bars pair beautifully with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Whether served at holidays, potlucks, or family dinners, this classic pumpkin bar recipe never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Do Pumpkin Bars need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
Can Pumpkin Bars be frozen?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to two months and frost after thawing.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, as long as it is thick and well-drained.
How long do Pumpkin Bars stay fresh?
They keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.