Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing: The Ultimate Fall, or anytime, Treat

As the leaves turn golden and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm, spiced flavors of fall. One of the best ways to embrace the season is with a batch of soft, moist pumpkin bars topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. My family loves these any time of the year. They are great to take to any gathering, and are always a crowd pleaser. They are one of those things you can’t just eat one.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Bars

These Pumpkin bars are perfectly soft cakelike bars. Packed with all the fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The addition of pumpkin puree not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the bars incredibly soft. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a rich, tangy cream cheese icing that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

There’s just something magical about the warm spices of pumpkin bars, especially when topped with a cloud of cream cheese frosting. These bars are the kind of dessert that feel like a cozy hug — perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a little taste of fall.

I have been making these Pumpkin Bars for years. They are always a crowd pleaser. I am often requested to make them for family get-togethers. They are so delicious and easy to make that I gladly agree.

Don’t save this just for making in the Fall. They are great for any potluck any time of year. Or just a yummy treat to make any night of the week. Bonus- there will be enough to share with your neighbors or friends, or you can keep them all to yourself. No one will ever know you ate the whole pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 cups canned pumpkin puree ( or one 15-16 ounce can)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼-½ teaspoon cloves
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Mix & Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, with a hand mixer beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then mix until smooth. UPour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the Icing: While the bars cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
6. Frost & Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy! Makes 48 squares

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars

• Cool Before Frosting: If the bars are warm, the icing will melt and become runny.
• Customize: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
• Use real butter for the icing. Margarine will make it runny.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These pumpkin bars are ideal for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving desserts, or even as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the cozy flavors of fall, and whip up a batch of these delightful pumpkin bars. Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you!