This Pumpkin Bars Recipe delivers an exceptionally moist, rich, and perfectly spiced cake-like treat, generously topped with a velvety, cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting. A true fall classic, these bars are irresistible!

A Note from the Baker

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Soft, Spiced, and Irresistibly Frosted Pumpkin Bars!

I simply cannot get enough of these incredible Pumpkin Bars, and they have become my absolute favorite fall dessert. Their rich flavor and moist texture make them a perfect indulgence, and they’re so easy to whip up! Plus, this recipe yields a generous batch, meaning there’s always plenty to share with family and friends.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of pumpkin bars, imagine them as a delightful, slightly denser variation of a traditional pumpkin cake. The batter bakes beautifully into a large sheet, which is then sliced into individual bars. This format makes them incredibly convenient for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying throughout the week.

These bars are truly spectacular, especially when paired with the luscious, cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting. The combination of warm spices in the cake and the cool, tangy sweetness of the frosting is pure heaven. Now, for the quintessential autumn dilemma: should I serve these amazing pumpkin bars or my equally divine Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for Thanksgiving? I think the only logical solution is to have both on the dessert table!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Crafting the best pumpkin bars starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

How to Master This Delicious Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Baking these delightful pumpkin bars is a straightforward process, perfect for any home baker. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding experience:

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends over the edges, creating an overhang – this will make lifting the baked bars out of the pan incredibly easy later on.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, room temperature eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This ensures all the moistening elements are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Whisking dry ingredients together prevents clumps and ensures leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Using a hand mixer on low speed, or a sturdy spatula, fold them together until *just* combined. It’s crucial to avoid over-mixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy bars instead of moist, tender ones. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your parchment-lined pan, spreading it gently with a spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer. Bake for 27–33 minutes. The bars are ready when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid over-baking to maintain their delightful moistness.
6. Frost with Creamy Goodness: While the bars cool, prepare your cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated. Finish by mixing in the salt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
7. Chill and Serve: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled to room temperature (this is vital, as warm bars will melt the frosting), spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire sheet of bars from the pan. Slice them into desired bar sizes and serve. For best flavor and texture, refrigerate any leftovers.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Achieving pumpkin bar perfection is easy with a few key techniques. Here are some of my top tips to ensure your bars are consistently moist, flavorful, and a true delight:

• Measure Flour Accurately: This cannot be stressed enough! Flour is often over-measured, leading to dry, dense baked goods. The best method is to lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use the back of a straight edge (like a butter knife or bench scraper) to level off the excess. Never scoop directly with the measuring cup or pack the flour down.
• Whisk Wet Ingredients Thoroughly: While a spoon can work, whisking the wet ingredients (pumpkin, eggs, oil, sugars, vanilla) together ensures they are fully emulsified and smooth. This creates a uniform base for your batter, leading to a more consistent and tender crumb in the finished bars.
• Always Line the Pan: These pumpkin bars are exceptionally moist, which means they can be prone to sticking. To prevent this frustration, always spray your pan with cooking spray first, then line it with parchment paper. Leaving a slight overhang of parchment on the sides will create “handles” that allow you to easily lift the entire sheet of baked bars out of the pan for effortless frosting and slicing.
• Understanding Pumpkin Pie Spice: This aromatic spice blend is a cornerstone of fall baking. It typically includes a delightful mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. You can easily purchase it at any grocery store, or, for an extra fresh and customizable flavor, you can make your own pumpkin pie spice blend at home.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist pumpkin bars. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum bake time. The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges might look slightly golden, but the center should still be tender.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients (especially for frosting): For the bars, room temperature eggs mix better. For the cream cheese frosting, having both the cream cheese and butter at true room temperature is paramount. This allows them to cream together smoothly and fluffily, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky-smooth frosting texture.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is key! Frosting warm bars will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off, creating a messy rather than magnificent dessert. Allow the baked bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before applying the frosting.

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5 from 3 votes

Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

By
Chelsea Lords

This Pumpkin Bars Recipe is a celebration of autumn! Moist, cake-like, and perfectly spiced, these bars are irresistible when topped with a rich cinnamon-cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any fall gathering or simply as a comforting treat!

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Cooling Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 50 minutes

Yields:
25 bars

Recipe Video

Equipment

• Jelly-roll pan 10 x 15-inch
• Parchment paper
• Hand mixer

Ingredients

• Cooking spray

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/4 cups light brown sugar firmly packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice see note 1 below
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar sifted for best results
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray and then lining it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside your butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature while you prepare the batter.
• In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
• In a separate, medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these together vigorously to ensure all the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
• Add the combined wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer on low speed or fold gently with a spatula until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are fine and will result in a more tender bar.
• Pour the pumpkin bar batter into the prepared pan and gently spread it evenly across the bottom. Bake for 27–33 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely for at least 1 hour before frosting.
• While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
• Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled to room temperature, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the entire sheet of frosted bars from the pan. Slice into desired bar shapes and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly spiced, moist pumpkin bars!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend This delightful spice blend typically includes ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. You can easily purchase it pre-mixed at your local grocery store or, for a personalized touch, make your own homemade blend using individual spices.

Storage Instructions: Frosted pumpkin bars should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in an airtight container, for up to 1 week. The flavors often deepen and improve on the second day! To freeze unfrosted bars, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for about an hour before frosting and serving. Please note, cream cheese frosting can become watery or separate when frozen and thawed, so it is best to prepare it fresh for optimum texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1
bar

|

Calories:
212
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
38
g

|

Protein:
4
g

|

Fat:
5
g

|

Saturated Fat:
3
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
34
mg

|

Sodium:
95
mg

|

Potassium:
95
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
22
g

|

Vitamin A:
2804
IU

|

Vitamin C:
1
mg

|

Calcium:
51
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Love this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!

Choosing the Right Pan for Your Pumpkin Bars

The type of baking pan you use is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and thickness for your pumpkin bars. Here’s what you need to know:

• Recommended Pan: Using a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan is absolutely key to getting the ideal thin, moist, and cake-like texture for these bars. This size allows the batter to spread thinly enough to bake through evenly without becoming overly dense or dry.
• Why a 9×13-inch Pan Won’t Work: A standard 9×13-inch baking pan, while common, is too small for this recipe. The batter will be too thick, leading to a much longer baking time, an increased risk of uneven baking (burnt edges, raw center), and a final product that resembles a dense cake rather than a tender bar.
• Alternative Pumpkin Recipes for Different Pan Sizes: If a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan isn’t available, I highly recommend trying one of my other delicious pumpkin recipes that are designed for different pan sizes:
  • For a slightly thicker, cake-like texture, try my Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe, which is perfectly suited for a 9×13-inch pan.
  • If you’re looking to make a smaller batch, my Healthy Pumpkin Cake recipe is ideal, as it’s designed to be baked in an 8×8-inch pan.

Why These Pumpkin Bars Are a Must-Try Fall Treat

These aren’t just any pumpkin bars; they’re a symphony of fall flavors and textures designed to delight. The secret lies in a few key elements:

• Unbeatable Moisture: Thanks to the generous amount of pumpkin puree and vegetable oil, these bars stay incredibly moist and tender for days, even after being refrigerated. They never dry out, making them perfect for meal prepping your desserts or enjoying throughout the week.
• Perfectly Spiced: A carefully balanced blend of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting aroma and a flavor profile that truly captures the essence of autumn. Each bite is a comforting hug of classic fall spices.
• Creamy, Dreamy Frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory. It’s rich, tangy, sweet, and perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin base. The smooth, velvety texture of the frosting elevates these bars from simple cake to an extraordinary dessert.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to have a delightful treat on hand, these pumpkin bars are fantastic for making in advance. They taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to fully meld.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Pumpkin Bars

These versatile pumpkin bars are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Holiday Dessert Table: They make a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving or fall holiday dessert spread, offering a lighter alternative to pie.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to transport and serve, these bars are always a hit at potlucks, office parties, or family gatherings.
• A Cozy Night In: Enjoy a bar (or two!) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience on a chilly evening.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this pumpkin bars recipe is designed for success. Its simple steps, foolproof tips, and irresistible flavor guarantee a delightful outcome every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the best pumpkin bars you’ve ever tasted!