As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s something magical about fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than by whipping up a batch of heavenly pumpkin bars with brown sugar cream cheese frosting? These bars are like a slice of fall itself, combining the warm, spiced goodness of pumpkin with the rich, lusciousness of cream cheese. Grab your apron and get ready to make a dessert that’ll become an favorite for sure!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars:

Before you begin baking, gather all the ingredients for these delectable pumpkin bars:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (can also sub GF all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or melted & cooled butter)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for Pumpkin Bars:

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect pumpkin bars:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the oil-sugar mixture, and blend until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:

For the luscious cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• pinch of sea salt
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk (optional)

Directions for Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth.
2. Add the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, sea salt and then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is well blended. If it feels too thick, you can add 1-2 tbsp of milk or cream.
3. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Tips for perfect Pumpkin Bars:

• Quality baking pan: These are my favorite baking pans hands down! All my bakeware is this brand.
• Even Spreading: Ensure an even layer of batter in the pan for consistent baking.
• Cooling Time: Let the bars cool before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting and getting messy!

FAQ’s:

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
   • Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery. Also make sure not to use pumpkin pie filling.
2. How should I store leftover pumpkin bars?
   • Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
   • Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. After they’ve been refrigerated, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag. Then thaw on the counter before serving.

Creative Variations and Toppings:

Get creative with your pumpkin bars by trying these variations and toppings:

• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top of the cream cheese frosting.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-pumpkin twist.

If you love these, you may also love:

• Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's something magical about fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than by whipping up a batch of heavenly pumpkin bars with brown sugar cream cheese frosting? These bars are like a slice of fall itself, combining the warm, spiced goodness of pumpkin with the rich, lusciousness of cream cheese. Grab your apron and get ready to make a dessert that'll become an favorite for sure!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brown sugar, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, pumpkin dessert

Servings: 9

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour can also sub GF all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup avocado oil or melted & cooled butter
• 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 4 tbsp cream cheese softened
• 4 tsbp unsalted butter softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp brown sugar light or dark
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• pinch of sea salt
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk (optional)

Instructions

For the Bars:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the oil-sugar mixture, and blend until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the pumpkin bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before adding the cream cheese frosting.

For the Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth. Add the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, sea salt and then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is well blended.
• If it feels too thick, you can add 1-2 tbsp of milk or cream. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 9 squares and enjoy!!

Notes

For Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.