Save to Pinterest Moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bars topped with a decadent brown sugar cream cheese frosting—an irresistibly cozy fall treat perfect for any gathering.
This recipe has become a fall favorite in my family, we love sharing these bars at every gathering.
Ingredients
- For the Pumpkin Bars: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Brown Sugar Frosting: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter softened, 4 ounces cream cheese softened, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another large bowl whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth
- Add Pumpkin:
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined
- Add Nuts:
- Fold in walnuts or pecans if using
- Prepare Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Cool Bars:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting
- Make Frosting:
- In a large bowl beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy
- Add Sugars:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy
- Add Vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract
- Add Milk:
- Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable
- Frost Bars:
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars Cut into squares and serve
Save to Pinterest My family cherishes the moments gathering around the table enjoying these bars every fall season.
Notes
For extra crunch and flavor sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the frosted bars For a lighter version substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce
Required Tools
9×13-inch baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk Electric mixer or hand mixer Spatula Wire cooling rack Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, cream cheese), tree nuts (if using walnuts or pecans) Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern
Save to Pinterest These pumpkin bars bring warmth and comfort with every bite making them an ideal treat for any fall occasion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What spices are used in these pumpkin bars?
The bars include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of salt to balance the flavors.
- → Can I add nuts to these bars?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter to add a crunchy texture.
- → How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Ensure bars are completely cooled on a wire rack before spreading the brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
- → Is there a lighter option for the oil in the bars?
You can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- → What tools are needed to prepare the bars?
You will need a 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, a whisk, an electric or hand mixer, a spatula, and a wire cooling rack.