Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, warmly spiced pumpkin bars baked in a sheet pan and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. A crowd-friendly fall dessert that's simple to make and perfect for sharing.
Servings: 24 Bars
Calories: 235kcal
Ingredients
- For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; don't overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Add milk or heavy cream, a little at a time, if needed to reach a smooth spreading consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.
- Chill briefly for cleaner slices, then cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Don't overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the frosted bars for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
- A 15×10-inch jelly roll pan gives these bars their classic thin, soft texture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
- For chocolate lovers, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 180 mg