These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and irresistibly creamy. The ultimate pumpkin dessert recipe for fall gatherings!

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When autumn rolls in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese frosting wafting through the kitchen. This delightful treat combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the tangy sweetness of a smooth, creamy frosting.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend dessert or a make-ahead sweet for Thanksgiving, this pumpkin dessert recipe hits all the right notes — fluffy, moist, and full of fall flavor.

I first made these pumpkin bars on a chilly October evening, while rain softly tapped against the kitchen windows. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg instantly transformed the house into a cozy haven.

My family couldn’t resist peeking into the oven every few minutes, and when the timer finally went off, we all gathered around to spread the velvety cream cheese frosting on top. It’s now become a fall tradition — a little ritual that means the holiday season has officially begun.

Kitchen Hacks

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix gently until just combined for that soft, tender crumb.
Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the frosting — this prevents melting.
Storage Tip: Keep the frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a dessert dream come true. They’re moist, sweet, and spiced to perfection. The light and fluffy base pairs beautifully with the silky frosting, creating a bite that melts in your mouth. They’re also super easy to prepare and slice — perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a personal treat with your morning coffee.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Cozy Autumn Dessert You’ll Love

Recipe by Abby MyersCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12-16

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the pumpkin bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
Cut into squares or bars and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions / Variations

You can top these bars with chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosting gives it a bakery-style finish. If you love extra flavor, try adding a dash of maple syrup into the frosting for a subtle sweetness that enhances the pumpkin notes.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese is a reminder of what makes fall so special — warm spices, cozy evenings, and sweet homemade comfort. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a sure way to make your kitchen smell like autumn bliss.