Fall Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Fall Pumpkin Bars are a delightful seasonal treat, blending warm spices with rich pumpkin flavor. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for frosting consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
8. Step 8: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or half brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer taste.
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to enhance the spice profile.
• Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best flavor. These bars can also be frozen without frosting for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient for this recipe. Just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

How can I make these bars dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and margarine, and use a plant-based milk for the frosting consistency.

Fall Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these moist and flavorful pumpkin bars topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars are simple to make and ideal for autumn gatherings or a sweet seasonal treat.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars don’t stick and come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a consistent batter base.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
4. Combine and Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain the bars’ tender texture.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
6. Cool Completely: Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important before frosting to prevent melting.
7. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk to achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting consistency.
8. Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and serve for a delicious fall-inspired treat.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
• Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a buttery taste.
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for extra depth of spice.
• Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and nuttiness.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin puree, autumn recipe, spiced pumpkin bars