The Best Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a fall treat that truly stands out, you’ll fall in love with The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine bites of ultra-moist, pumpkin-spiced cake layered with a generous swirl of brown butter cream cheese frosting, all finished with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for the ultimate cozy finish. These bars are tender, bursting with real pumpkin flavor, and perfect for sharing at gatherings—or just as a special afternoon pick-me-up. This is one pumpkin dessert you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting proves that a few simple staples can create magic. Each item plays a role, whether adding fluffiness, warm flavor, natural sweetness, or that irresistible creamy finish.

• All Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bars, providing just the right structure while still keeping them soft and tender.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and keeps the crumb light and airy.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture for that perfect bite.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The soul of fall flavor—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves all in one vibrant blend.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise nicely and stay soft.
• Baking Powder: More lift for an extra-tender result.
• Eggs (room temperature, lightly beaten): Help bind everything together and add richness.
• Applesauce (or vegetable oil): Keeps things wonderfully moist and cuts down on added fat if you choose applesauce.
• Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient, bringing moisture, color, and real pumpkin flavor (don’t swap for pie filling!).
• Butter: Used for browning, giving the cream cheese frosting a heavenly nutty note.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Makes the frosting creamy, tangy, and oh-so-smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the frosting with its warm, aromatic depth.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it spreadable and dreamy.

How to Make The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper for extra-easy bar removal later. This step guarantees the pumpkin bars lift out perfectly and your clean-up stays stress-free.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This blend ensures that every bite of The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is even, fluffy, and packed with fall spices.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Gently stir in the eggs, applesauce (or vegetable oil), and pure pumpkin puree. As you fold everything together, the batter will become thick and vibrant. Keep mixing until it’s just combined—don’t over-mix to keep those bars tender.

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and use an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon) to spread it evenly, right into the corners. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack—patience pays off here—then pop them in the fridge to chill while you make the frosting.

Step 5: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and continue to cook, stirring, until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty. This is what takes the cream cheese frosting from great to unforgettable! Remove from heat and cool to room temperature so it doesn’t melt your cream cheese later.

Step 6: Whip Up Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine the cooled brown butter with softened cream cheese in a bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and continue beating until combined. Then gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency—creamy but not runny.

Step 7: Frost, Sprinkle, and Slice

Once the pumpkin bars are chilled, spread that dreamy frosting all over the top in a thick, swoopy layer. Finish with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice for a little sparkle and flavor. Slice into squares and get ready to wow everyone with The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Serve The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The finishing touch for these bars is a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, but you can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for even more flavor and elegance. If you’re feeling extra festive, top each bar with a cute candy pumpkin for autumn flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these pumpkin bars with a warm mug of chai, spiced apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert plate. For a fall gathering, these bars look (and taste!) right at home beside other harvest treats, like caramel corn or cinnamon-roasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into classic squares or get playful with shapes—rectangles, diamonds, or even use cookie cutters for leaves or pumpkins. Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray, or stack them between parchment sheets for an edible gift that looks as thoughtful as it tastes. The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are guaranteed to be the first treat to vanish from any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pumpkin bars covered in the refrigerator, where they stay moist and delicious for up to five days. The chill actually helps the frosting firm up, making them easy to pack in lunchboxes or serve at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

These bars (with or without frosting) freeze beautifully. Simply place cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months; just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your pumpkin bars a little warm, give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just note that the frosting will soften, so this is best for enjoying at home rather than for serving to a crowd.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which would throw off both the flavor and texture of The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

What’s the secret to ultra-moist pumpkin bars?

The combination of pumpkin puree and applesauce is what keeps these bars incredibly moist without making them heavy. Measuring your ingredients accurately and not overbaking are also key!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips before baking for a fun twist. Just know that too many mix-ins can make cutting the bars more challenging!

Do I need to refrigerate The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, because the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s safest to store these bars in the fridge. Plus, chilling actually improves their texture and makes slicing cleaner.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free, and check the texture before baking as every blend behaves a bit differently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embrace fall baking or just want to impress at your next get-together, there’s no better place to start than with The BEST Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Every bite is a celebration of autumn flavors and creamy decadence. Give these bars a try, and prepare to fall head over heels for your new favorite pumpkin dessert!

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