Pumpkin season is one of the best times of the year.
It’s the time for warm spices, cozy desserts, and pumpkin in just about everything. One dessert that captures all the comforting flavors of fall is Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
These bars are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, topped with a creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight treat.
They bring together the familiar flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin, and cream cheese, and the best part is how simple they are to make.
You’ll only need basic pantry ingredients, and in less than an hour, you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Let’s dive into the recipe, with detailed steps to guide you from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cake Layer:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients for both the cake layer and the cream cheese frosting. It’s essential to have everything measured and ready before you begin, as this makes the whole baking process much smoother.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan (or similar size), then line it with parchment paper. Greasing the pan ensures the parchment sticks, and greasing the parchment will make sure your bars come out easily once baked.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, crack 4 large eggs and beat them with an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy. This will help introduce air into the batter, ensuring the cake has a light texture.
Next, add the 2 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and the 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée. Continue beating the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. You want to achieve a smooth and cohesive mixture without overmixing.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
Once these are well combined, slowly add them into the wet mixture, beating on low speed for about 1 minute or until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as that can lead to a denser cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula. You want to make sure it’s in an even layer so it bakes consistently.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give the cake another 2-3 minutes and check again.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This should take about 30 minutes. It’s crucial that the cake is fully cool before you add the frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake is cooling, it’s time to make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, combine the softened 8-ounce package of cream cheese and 1 cup of unsalted butter. Beat these together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and gradually mix in the 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time.
Make sure to beat on low speed initially to avoid the sugar flying everywhere, and once incorporated, increase to medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
For a touch of extra warmth and fall flavor, you can also add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the frosting if you like. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely depth to the overall flavor.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake using a spatula or an offset knife. Take your time here to ensure an even layer of frosting.
To add a final touch, sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the top of the frosting. This not only adds flavor but also gives the bars a visually appealing finish.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once frosted, you’re ready to cut the cake into bars. Depending on how large or small you want the bars, you can make around 24 squares from this recipe.
Use a sharp knife to cut clean lines through the cake. You can wipe the knife between cuts to ensure neat slices.
Serve immediately, or store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars are best enjoyed cold, but they can also be served at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Pumpkin Purée vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: Always make sure you’re using pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter is pre-sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the flavor balance of the recipe.
- Customizing the Frosting: For a tangier frosting, reduce the butter to ½ cup and increase the cream cheese to 12 ounces. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, simply add more confectioners’ sugar, but do it in small increments so the frosting doesn’t become too thick.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for a crunchy texture. You could also sprinkle them on top of the frosting for an extra touch.
- Storage: These bars will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out.
Conclusion:
These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy richness of a tangy frosting. The cinnamon spice adds a warm flavor that makes every bite a treat.
Whether you’re preparing these for a family get-together or just to satisfy your pumpkin cravings, this recipe is sure to become a fall staple in your household. They’re easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. So, get your ingredients ready and start baking!