When autumn rolls around, certain flavors immediately come to mind—pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and everything cozy. If you’re craving a dessert that embodies the essence of fall, look no further than Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
These bars are soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of tang and sweetness. They’re the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a weekend baking session at home.
In this article, we’ll break down the recipe step by step, share helpful baking tips, and explore some variations so you can make this classic dessert your own. Let’s dive right in!
Why Pumpkin Bars Are the Perfect Fall Dessert
Pumpkin bars are like a hybrid between cake and brownies—they’re soft and fluffy like cake but cut into squares like brownies. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Moist and flavorful: Pumpkin puree keeps the bars tender and adds natural sweetness.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger create that nostalgic fall flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: These bars are easy to make in large batches, making them great for family gatherings and parties.
- Perfectly balanced: The tangy cream cheese frosting balances out the sweet, spiced pumpkin base.
They’re basically autumn in dessert form—soft, spiced pumpkin cake squares topped with a dreamy frosting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious pumpkin bars:
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
This step ensures your pumpkin bars don’t stick to the pan and come out perfectly when cut into squares.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Ginger
This step helps evenly distribute the spices so every bite is full of warm fall flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and vibrant orange.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to keep the batter light and airy.
Once mixed, pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential, as frosting a warm cake will cause the icing to melt and slide off.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting:
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Continue mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Tip: Chill the frosting in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if it feels too soft to spread.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Use a spatula to create swoops and swirls for a pretty finish.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are rich, so smaller pieces go a long way!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing creates dense bars instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Cool completely before frosting: Patience is key—otherwise, the frosting will melt.
- Chill before serving: For neater slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin bars are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
- Classic style: Serve plain for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Garnished with pecans or walnuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor by sprinkling chopped nuts on top.
- Holiday twist: Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin spice for extra fall flair.
- Dessert platter: Pair with apple crisp, pecan pie, or cookies for a Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store pumpkin bars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then frost before serving.
- Make-ahead frosting: You can make the cream cheese frosting 2–3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just whip it again before spreading.
Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Cozy Fall Favorite
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Description
🍂 Cozy, spiced, and perfectly sweet — these pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting are the ultimate fall treat! 🎃✨
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until smooth. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (⏱️ 40 minutes)
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. (⏱️ 30 minutes)
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. (⏱️ 8 minutes)
Notes
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy! (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some fun variations:
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a fall twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee kick.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bars: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe has been a classic for decades because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- The pumpkin puree keeps the bars moist.
- The warm spices create that cozy autumn flavor.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, sweet finish that makes these bars irresistible.
It’s simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious—exactly what you want from an old-fashioned recipe.
Conclusion
These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything fall desserts should be—moist, spiced, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just when you want to bake something that feels cozy and nostalgic.
Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve remained a beloved classic for generations.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain excess water so it’s not too runny.
2. Can I make these bars in a sheet pan for a larger batch?
Absolutely. Double the recipe and use a half-sheet pan. Adjust the baking time slightly.
3. Why did my bars come out dense?
Most likely, the batter was overmixed. Stir until just combined for light, fluffy bars.
4. Can I frost these with something other than cream cheese frosting?
Yes! Buttercream or whipped cream also work, but cream cheese frosting pairs best with pumpkin.
5. Can I make these ahead for Thanksgiving?
Definitely. Bake the bars a day before, refrigerate, then frost the next day for the freshest flavor.
