Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a dreamy fall dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with the perfect creamy, spiced frosting. The pumpkin makes the bars soft and tender, while the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and warmth. I love making these for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee on a cool autumn day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these pumpkin bars because they’re easy to make in one pan, slice beautifully, and are always a crowd favorite. The pumpkin gives them a moist texture, the spices make them cozy, and the tangy frosting balances everything perfectly. They’re lighter than a dense cake but still rich enough to feel indulgent. Plus, they keep really well, so I can enjoy them for days.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• Vegetable oil

• Vanilla extract

For the cinnamon cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

3. In another large bowl, I beat the sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

4. I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

5. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

6. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I let it cool completely before frosting.

7. For the frosting, I beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until creamy.

8. I spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Cooling and frosting: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch. For a little extra indulgence, I drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted bars. If I want something lighter, I reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting and keep it tangier. I’ve also made these as cupcakes instead of bars for individual servings.

storage/reheating

I store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, I let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so the frosting softens. They also freeze well—I cut them into squares, wrap individually, and thaw when needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, I’ve used homemade pumpkin puree, but I make sure it’s thick and not watery so the bars don’t turn out too soft.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the bars a day before and frost them the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, and they slice beautifully when chilled.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it—the frosting really completes these bars. If I want something lighter, I dust the top with powdered sugar instead.

How do I cut clean squares?

I chill the frosted bars for about 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This makes neat, bakery-style squares.

Can I use this recipe for a layered cake?

Yes, I’ve baked the batter in two 8-inch round pans and layered them with the same frosting. It works beautifully as a fall cake.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are one of my go-to fall desserts. They’re moist, spiced just right, and topped with creamy, tangy frosting that takes them over the top. Whether I’m serving them at a party, giving them as a gift, or keeping a stash for myself, they always feel like the perfect bite of autumn comfort.