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Soft, cozy, and absolutely perfect for fall—these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the kind of recipe that becomes a yearly tradition. They are tender, moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel like autumn comfort. Whether you’re baking for a fall party, a potluck, or just because your house needs that irresistible pumpkin‑spice aroma, this recipe delivers every time.

Pumpkin season is officially here, and these bars are one of the easiest, most crowd‑pleasing ways to celebrate it. The base is deliciously soft and moist, full of warm spices and pumpkin flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish that makes them feel extra special—though you can absolutely enjoy them without frosting if you prefer a simpler bar.

These pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are versatile, too. Serve them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or plate them up as a cozy dessert. They fit into every part of your day.

This recipe can be customized to your preferences too.

• Add nuts: Pecans or walnuts add great texture.
• Skip the frosting: The bars are delicious on their own if you want something lighter.
• Make ahead: They stay moist for days, making them perfect for prepping before a party.
• Serve chilled or room temperature: Both ways are delicious, but chilled frosting is extra dreamy.

Why you will love this recipe

• Your house will smell incredible while they bake. Warm pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla fill the air—instant fall vibes.
• Perfect for any fall gathering. Parties, potlucks, carry‑ins, family dinners… these bars travel well and feed a crowd.
• Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced. The texture is tender and cake‑like, and the frosting adds just the right sweetness.
• Customizable with nuts. Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them over the frosting for a little crunch.
• A cozy treat for crisp fall days. These bars feel like wrapping up in a warm sweater—comforting, nostalgic, and delicious.

Ingredients

For the pumpkin bars

• 2 and 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (or 1 – 15 oz can of pumpkin puree)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

For the cream cheese frosting

• 1 – 8 oz block of cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar

How to make pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl and set aside.

• Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add in the eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin puree and mix together.

• Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just incorporated.

• Spread the batter into the prepared 9×13 dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cake to cool completely before topping it with the frosting.

• In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Once combined, add in the powdered sugar and mix together until fluffy.

• Top the pumpkin bars with the cream cheese frosting and serve.

How to store pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

• Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More fall recipes on the blog

• Apple Crisp
• Pumpkin Bread
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Apple Cinnamon Bread

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