Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

There's something about these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting that instantly has me dreaming of crisp autumn days, even if it's still summer. Honestly, I’m pretty much always craving fall—the cozy sweaters, the warm drinks, and especially the seasonal treats. And these pumpkin bars? They’re the ultimate way to kick off the spooky season. With just the right hint of spice and a lusciously tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re as drool-worthy as they are decadent. Consider this your official invitation to indulge in some serious fall vibes, no matter what the calendar says!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Photo By: Insanely Good Recipes

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe from Insanely Good Recipes

Servings: 12 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin purée (pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2-3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Make the cake: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugars, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth and lump-free.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Add to the wet ingredients and mix gently by hand until just combined.

4. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. Set aside to cool fully.

5. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides and slowly blend in 2 cups powdered sugar (1/2 cup at a time) and the vanilla. Add more sugar, as needed, until the desired consistency is reached.

6. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars, then chill for 20-30 minutes so it can firm up. Slice, serve, and enjoy!