If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that brings the flavors of autumn right to your kitchen, look no further than this Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars are truly a dream come true—moist, tender pumpkin cake infused with warming spices and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, these pumpkin bars deliver that fall-inspired delight that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend harmoniously to create a cake so flavorful and rich. Each component plays its part: pumpkin puree for moisture and a hint of earthiness, warm spices to evoke that seasonal spirit, and a silky cream cheese frosting to finish with a decadent touch.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Provides moistness and classic pumpkin flavor essential for tender bars.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds natural sweetness that balances the pumpkin and spices.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth to enrich the bars’ flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars soft and moist without weighing them down.
- 4 large eggs: Adds structure and helps bind all ingredients together seamlessly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides the perfect crumb texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift for tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to leaven the bars beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Key spice that infuses warmth and sweet spice character.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a slight zing that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a rich, aromatic depth in small doses.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and ties everything together.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient of the frosting—smooth and tangy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to velvety perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly right from the start. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper—this small step makes removing your pumpkin bars effortlessly smooth when they’re perfectly baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine that luscious canned pumpkin puree with granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring in vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, harmonious mixture. This wet base brings moisture and richness that’s essential for the texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. This blend of spices is what truly sets this recipe apart, giving every bite a delightful autumnal spice profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined—resist the urge to overmix, as that can lead to tougher bars instead of tender ones. This step is key to achieving the perfect crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Batter
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—a clean stick means your bars are perfect and ready to cool.
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the bars to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer the whole block to the rack to cool completely. Frosting a warm cake can cause the cream cheese topping to melt, so patience here pays off.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter until you get a creamy, dreamy consistency. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract. If the frosting seems thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it spreads easily but stays luscious and thick enough.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Once your pumpkin bars are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface. The smooth, tangy frosting creates that iconic finish that makes this Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe unforgettable. Cut into squares, serve, and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
You can take your pumpkin bars up a notch by adding simple garnishes. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and extra aroma. Freshly grated nutmeg on top can highlight the warm spices even more beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cozy cup of spiced chai tea or a rich, steaming mug of coffee to bring out the warm and spicy notes. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—perfect for after-dinner dessert or a special brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Cut your bars into mini squares and serve them on a decorative platter stacked elegantly. For gatherings, try individual servings in small dessert cups with a dollop of frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—it’s both stylish and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pumpkin bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting loves the cool temperature and will stay smooth and tasty for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover tightly to prevent the bars from drying out.
Freezing
Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe can be frozen to enjoy later! Cut the bars into squares, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy after refrigeration or thawing, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. If you prefer warm bars, gently microwave a single portion for 10-15 seconds—but be careful not to melt the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Fresh pumpkin can work but requires cooking and pureeing first, which adds extra steps. Canned pumpkin puree offers consistent moisture and texture perfect for this recipe, making it a convenient choice.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free pumpkin bars.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar by about half a cup and add a touch more cream cheese to keep it creamy. Taste as you go so you achieve just the right balance for your palate.
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make vegan versions, substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, replace butter with vegan margarine, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The flavor will still be fantastic, though the texture might be slightly different.
What’s the best pan size for these bars?
The recipe calls for a 9×13 inch pan because it yields bars with the perfect thickness and baking time. Using a smaller pan will make them thicker and might require longer baking; a larger pan will create thinner bars.
Final Thoughts
There is something so incredibly satisfying about baking a batch of these Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that fills your home with the scent of warm spices and cozy comfort. Whether it’s a weekend project or a special occasion treat, these bars are sure to become a treasured favorite. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the best of pumpkin season and sweet moments shared around the table.
Print
Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Decadent Spiced Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall treat featuring warm spices and rich, moist pumpkin flavor topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. Ideal for dessert or a festive snack, these bars combine aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves with a luscious cream cheese topping for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to the rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully combined. Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired spreading consistency is reached.
- Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve and Store: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger warm spice flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar or use half the amount.
- Use fresh canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened and spiced.
- Store refrigerated leftovers for up to 4-5 days.
