When the crisp fall air rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than baking with pumpkin. And when you pair it with a tangy cream cheese frosting, you get a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist, spiced bars are the perfect treat for autumn, whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a holiday potluck, or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious.
If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie but want something a bit lighter and easier to serve, these bars are the ideal choice. Their soft, cake-like texture combined with the sweet and tangy frosting makes them a hit with everyone. Want to pair this dessert with another fall favorite? Consider serving them with these Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a seasonal dessert spread.
One of the best things about these pumpkin bars is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to add nuts, chocolate chips, or make a healthier version, the recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you’re looking to impress guests or make a simple weeknight treat, these bars are the way to go. Need more ideas for delicious fall snacks? Try these Muddy Buddies as a fun, sweet snack option.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
To make these pumpkin bars both moist and flavorful, you’ll need a handful of simple, yet important ingredients. Let’s break them down:
1. Pumpkin Puree
- Pumpkin puree gives these bars their distinct flavor and moist texture. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices. Libby’s is a popular choice for its consistency.
2. Pumpkin Pie Spice
- This spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives the bars their iconic fall flavor. You can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix, or blend your own with individual spices.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting
- The cream cheese frosting is what really elevates these bars. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it creates a rich, tangy topping that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin base.
For another comforting fall recipe, try this savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole to balance out the sweetness of the bars.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Here’s how to make these delicious pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:
Ingredients for the Bars:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Combine and Bake
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Want to switch up your pumpkin bars? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
1. Add Nuts
- Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a bit of crunch. You can also sprinkle them on top of the frosting for added texture.
2. Add Chocolate Chips
- For a more indulgent twist, add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. You can even drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Make these bars gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This ensures the texture remains similar to the original version.
Looking for more dessert inspiration? Try these Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies for another crowd-pleasing treat.
H2-Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with an easy recipe, a few missteps can affect the final outcome. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes when making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:
1. Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined to maintain a soft, cake-like texture.
2. Incorrect Baking Time
- Baking too long can dry out the bars. Be sure to check for doneness around the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
3. Lumpy Frosting
- To avoid lumpy cream cheese frosting, ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. Sifting the powdered sugar can also help achieve a smoother consistency.
H3-Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
While these pumpkin bars are decadent, there are ways to lighten them up without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Healthier Substitutions:
- Lower Fat: Use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting to reduce the fat content.
- Reduce Sugar: Try reducing the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup or using a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the best flavors of the season in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to impress. With so many customization options, you can make them your own, and the cream cheese frosting ensures they’ll be a hit with everyone.
Pair these bars with another comforting fall recipe like Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for a savory dish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars.
- How to Bake Perfect Pumpkin Bars – Use anchor text: How to bake perfect pumpkin bars for tips on perfecting this dessert.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – Use anchor text: cream cheese frosting recipe for a guide to making silky-smooth frosting.
- The History of Pumpkin Spice – Use anchor text: the history of pumpkin spice to explore the origins of this beloved fall flavor.
