Pin It 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 is a fall favorite in my family—every year we bake a batch to enjoy during the cooler months and holiday celebrations.
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.
- Combine pumpkin:
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- Combine ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add nuts:
- Fold in walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake bars:
- 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.
- Adjust consistency:
- 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.
Pin It This dessert is always the centerpiece at our family gatherings and is loved by kids and adults alike.
Tips for Best Texture
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting consistency.
Substitutions
For a lighter version substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce without sacrificing moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of extra chopped nuts for added crunch.
Pin It These pumpkin bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for fall festivities.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in the pumpkin bars?
The bars feature cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which provide warm, cozy flavors typical of fall desserts.
- → Can I add nuts to the bars?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- → How should the bars be cooled before frosting?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure the frosting does not melt.
- → What makes the frosting creamy and smooth?
The combination of softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a fluffy and smooth topping.
- → Can the bars be stored and for how long?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness.