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Delicious pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting on a wooden table.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful pumpkin bars are a perfect fall treat, featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Bars
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
  • 4 Large eggs
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or offset spatula

Method
 

Make the Pumpkin Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using), beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed and beat until light and fluffy.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the frosting. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.