Pumpkin Bars Recipe; If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall, these pumpkin bars are just what you need. With a moist, spiced pumpkin cake base and a rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe has everything you want in an autumnal treat. Below, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step guide to making the best pumpkin bars, along with expert tips, community reviews, and storage recommendations.

Why Pumpkin Bars Are the Perfect Fall Dessert

Pumpkin bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the fluffy texture of cake with the richness of a spiced pumpkin filling. These bars are versatile enough to serve at Thanksgiving, Halloween gatherings, or as an everyday treat with your morning coffee. With a velvety cream cheese frosting, these bars are not only delicious but also simple to make and store.

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Bars

Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dessert. Check your pantry for these fall essentials or add them to your shopping list:

For the Cake

• Pumpkin puree – 1 (15-ounce) can
• White sugar – 1⅔ cups
• Vegetable oil – 1 cup
• Eggs – 4 large
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon

For the Frosting

• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Cream cheese – 1 (3-ounce) package, softened
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Confectioners’ sugar – 2 cups, sifted

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the recipe, bringing out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and creating a creamy, fluffy frosting that complements the spiced cake base.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Pumpkin Bars

To make these pumpkin bars as easy as possible, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Gather all ingredients and pre-measure them for convenience.
• Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. No need to grease it; the bars will easily lift out after cooling.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients for the Cake

• In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs.
• Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well incorporated. This step helps to keep the cake fluffy and prevents clumping.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the ungreased jelly roll pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is ready when it springs back after pressing gently in the center.
• Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
• Add vanilla extract and mix well.
• Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Slice the Pumpkin Bars

• Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
• Slice the cake into 24 bars and serve.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe at a Glance

Nutrition Facts (Per Bar)

These values are approximate and based on 24 servings. The calorie count and nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Allrecipes Community Reviews for Pumpkin Bars Recipe

User Feedback:

• Mirai Hanson: “The steps were clear and easy, and the pumpkin bars tasted incredible! I especially loved the buttercream frosting and the final texture of the cake.”
• Just a Novice Baker: “I made these today, and my family absolutely loved them! Plus, the smell of pumpkin while they bake is amazing.”
• Brayden Edman: “I spread the frosting while the bars were still warm, and it created a gooey texture that made them even better.”

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to prevent lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the bars light and fluffy.
• Add the Frosting to Warm Bars: For a gooey texture, try spreading the frosting on slightly warm bars.
• Customize Your Spices: Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice.

FAQ: Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Can I make pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

What’s the best way to store leftover pumpkin bars?
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for grab-and-go treats.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just ensure that your fresh pumpkin puree has the same consistency as canned.

Conclusion of Pumpkin Bars Recipe

These pumpkin bars are a delightful and easy dessert to enjoy throughout the fall season. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or as a weeknight treat, they’re sure to become a new favorite. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and a perfect balance of pumpkin spice and cream cheese frosting, this pumpkin bars recipe is one you’ll come back to time and again.