Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices to set the mood for fall. These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a nostalgic dessert that instantly brings memories of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and cozy autumn afternoons. Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe creates moist, tender bars with the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor and spice, finished with a silky cream cheese frosting that’s irresistibly rich.

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dessert table, hosting a casual fall get-together, or simply craving a sweet seasonal treat, these pumpkin bars are a go-to option. They’re easy to prepare, bake in a single pan, and slice beautifully into neat squares for serving. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, making them just as practical as they are delicious.

My recipe story

This recipe comes from an old family cookbook that has been passed down for generations. Every fall, my grandmother would bake a big pan of pumpkin bars and let us sneak little squares before dinner. She believed pumpkin desserts should be moist, tender, and not overly sweet—just enough to complement the cream cheese frosting on top. That philosophy has shaped how I bake these bars today. They’re simple, rustic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve adapted her original recipe slightly by balancing the spices for a more modern flavor and ensuring the bars stay extra soft with just the right amount of pumpkin puree. When topped with the tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re the ultimate nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of pumpkin bars lies in their simplicity. The main component is pumpkin puree, which ensures the bars are moist and flavorful. Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for convenience, but if you prefer homemade puree, make sure it’s thick and not watery.

The flour, baking powder, and baking soda provide structure, while eggs give the bars stability and richness. Oil is the secret ingredient for keeping them extra soft—unlike butter, it doesn’t solidify when cooled, which helps the bars maintain their tender crumb.

Spices are the heart of these bars. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all love. Sugar adds sweetness and balance, while vanilla ties everything together. Finally, the cream cheese frosting is made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla, creating a silky-smooth topping that enhances every bite.

Equipment you’ll need

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Step-by-step directions

1. Preheat and prepare. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your pumpkin bars release effortlessly once baked and cooled.
2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blends the spices evenly throughout the flour so you won’t end up with uneven spice pockets in your bars.
3. Combine wet ingredients. In another large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated. The batter should look rich, thick, and golden-orange.
4. Combine wet and dry. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this step ensures your bars stay tender and soft, rather than tough.
5. Bake the bars. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Make the frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. This will give you the perfect spreadable frosting.
7. Frost and slice. Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before cutting.

Variations & substitutions

If you want to switch things up, there are many ways to customize these pumpkin bars. Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch, or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for garnish. Chocolate chips are another fun addition that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices.

For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute part of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you’re dairy-free, swap the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with plant-based alternatives. You can also use a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter, less sweet finish.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These pumpkin bars store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting makes refrigeration necessary, but the bars will remain soft and flavorful. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing individual squares on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

If you want to prepare ahead, you can bake the bars and store them unfrosted for up to 2 days at room temperature. Add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving ideas & pairings

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few pairings. Serve with a warm mug of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or coffee for the ultimate fall treat. For a holiday spread, pair them alongside pecan pie, apple crisp, or a tray of holiday cookies.

If you want to dress them up, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting or drizzle with caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also turns these bars into a decadent plated dessert.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to roast and puree it until smooth. Drain excess liquid so your batter isn’t too wet.

Can I make these pumpkin bars without frosting?
Absolutely! You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze if you prefer something less rich.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Chill the bars for 20 minutes before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I bake these bars in a smaller pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller, deeper pan will require more time in the oven.

Are these bars the same as pumpkin cake?
They are similar in flavor and texture but baked in a thinner layer, making them easier to serve as handheld squares.

Final thoughts

These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting capture everything we love about fall baking—warm spices, creamy frosting, and a moist, tender crumb. They’re nostalgic, easy to prepare, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re baking them for a special holiday dessert or simply to enjoy with your family at home, these bars are sure to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen too.

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Moist, spiced pumpkin bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. A nostalgic fall dessert perfect for holidays and cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 4 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined.

5. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
7. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

8. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.
   

Notes

Store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Serve with coffee, cider, or chai for a cozy fall treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American