There’s something magical about fall baking—the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of pumpkin, and the pure comfort of a dessert that tastes like a hug. These Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate way to celebrate the season.
They’re soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a lusciously smooth cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just a simple, foolproof recipe that delivers bakery-quality results at home.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat or prepping for a holiday gathering, these bars are guaranteed to steal the show. Want to turn it into a full dessert spread? Pair these bars with Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for a dreamy fall brunch, or go all in on seasonal flavors with Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Rolls—because who says you can’t have two incredible desserts in one sitting?
And here’s a fun fact: pumpkin isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with fiber and antioxidants, making these bars a (semi) guilt-free indulgence. So go ahead, cut yourself a generous slice, and taste why this recipe has everyone obsessed.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again!
- It’s a fall classic—with a twist: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the warmly spiced pumpkin cake, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
- Foolproof & beginner-friendly: No complicated steps, just mix, bake, frost, and enjoy. Perfect for last-minute baking cravings!
- Great for gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy get-together or a Thanksgiving feast, these bars disappear fast.
- Stays fresh for days: The moisture from the pumpkin keeps them soft and tender, meaning they taste just as good (if not better) the next day.
- Customizable & fun: Add chopped pecans for crunch, swirl in caramel, or sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for that extra kick.
Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 15 ounce can pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin purée until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and mix until well blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 373kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Calcium | 41mg |
| Sodium | 279mg |
Level Up Your Pumpkin Bars with These Genius Tips!
- Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting: Cold butter or cream cheese won’t blend smoothly, leading to a lumpy or grainy texture. Let them sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of light and tender.
- Toast your spices for extra depth: Quickly warming the cinnamon in a dry pan before adding it to the batter enhances its aroma and brings out a deeper flavor.
- Chill the frosting before spreading it: If your frosting feels too soft or runny, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set better on the bars and makes spreading easier.
- Cut clean, bakery-style slices: For neat, professional-looking bars, chill them for 20-30 minutes after frosting, then slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Balance the sweetness: If you prefer a tangier frosting, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to cut through the sweetness of the sugar.
- Make it ahead for better flavor: These bars actually taste better the next day as the spices meld and the frosting settles into the cake. Store them covered in the fridge overnight!
- Want a crunch? Add texture: Stir chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toffee bits into the batter for a slight crunch that complements the softness of the cake.
- Swap the oil for an ultra-moist texture: Swap the vegetable oil for melted butter or a mix of butter and applesauce for a richer, more flavorful crumb.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
