Moist and delicious, these homemade pumpkin bars are filled with cinnamon and spice, then topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting.
The perfect way to kick off pumpkin season, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a classic fall recipe that never goes out of style!
I first tried these pumpkin bars at my friend Suzanne’s house. She invited some friends and neighbors over for dessert and served these pumpkin bars, and I loved them so much I asked for the recipe.
Suzanne has been making these pumpkin bars for years, and made a few improvements of her own, which means this is a tried-and-true recipe. And for good reason!
No matter how many pumpkin recipes you’ll find on the Internet every fall, this pumpkin bar recipe is a classic that you’ll come back to again and again.
The only thing I changed from Suzanne’s version was to add a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla.
One of the many things I love about this recipe is that it makes enough for a crowd, so it’s perfect for neighborhood get-togethers, church potlucks, and almost any fall celebration.
And if you’re not a fan of pie, these pumpkin bars would also make a great Thanksgiving dessert. Of course, I would happily eat pumpkin bars and pie, so why not make both?
Of course, topping these bars off with cream cheese frosting is a must. In this case, I like to add a touch of cinnamon to my frosting, but that is totally optional. Definitely recommended though!
I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love these pumpkin bars. Even my kids who claim not to like pumpkin desserts can’t seem to get enough of these.
There’s a reason my friend has been making and serving these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for so long. It’s one of those simple yet delicious recipes that gets passed down for generations. Enjoy!
Be sure to save this recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Canned pumpkin
- Sugar
- Oil
- Applesauce
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the bars
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 16 oz. can pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
For the frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 15x10x1-inch pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
- In a separate bowl beat eggs, vanilla, pumpkin, sugar, oil and applesauce until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and beat until well combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, salt and cinnamon.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until frosting reaches desired consistency. Spread over cools bars before slicing and serving.
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Nutrition
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Who Dished It Up First: My friend Suzanne
3 comments
Maureen
There is no mention of the pumpkin in the actual making of these bars. No worries, I knew enough to add it. They are called pumpkin bars, after all.
Danelle
Possibly…..I’m not sure they are sturdy enough though.
Lisa
Can these be shipped? I know the icing can’t be however can I mail these to a friend in Missouri? I am from Mississippi