Homemade Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars Recipe with Cream Topping

Autumn’s golden embrace brings these delectable pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting to life, promising a symphony of warm spices and comforting flavors.

Rich, moist, and perfectly spiced, these bars capture the essence of fall in every single bite.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg swirls through the kitchen, beckoning hungry souls to indulge.

Each bar tells a story of seasonal comfort, blending traditional ingredients with a touch of nostalgia.

Soft, tender, and generously topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, these treats deliver pure happiness in every mouthful.

You’ll find these bars impossible to resist, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle spice.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible seasonal dessert that celebrates the magic of autumn.

What to Serve with Creamy Pumpkin Bars

• Pair with Warm Spiced Apple Cider: The cozy, aromatic apple cider complements the pumpkin's warm spices, creating a delightful autumn flavor harmony that enhances every bite of the bars.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the rich, spiced pumpkin bars, balancing the dessert's warmth with cool sweetness.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The espresso's deep notes and caramel undertones beautifully highlight the pumpkin's earthy sweetness, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Enjoy with Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle chopped, lightly toasted pecans on top or alongside the bars to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire dessert.

Frosting and Spice Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, spiced flavor profile.
• Vegan Pumpkin Squares: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free cashew-based frosting made with soaked cashews and maple syrup.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Treat: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and create a low-carb cream cheese topping using sugar-free sweetener and full-fat cream cheese.
• Paleo Pumpkin Dessert: Use coconut flour, replace refined sugars with pure maple syrup or honey, and top with an almond-based cream made from soaked almonds and coconut cream.

FAQs

• How difficult are these pumpkin bars to make?

These pumpkin bars are beginner-friendly and easy to prepare. The recipe requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen equipment. Most home bakers can successfully make these bars with simple mixing and measuring techniques.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Roast and puree the pumpkin, then strain any excess liquid to ensure the right consistency. Homemade puree works just as well as canned, but make sure it’s smooth and not watery.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Use a 1:1 ratio substitution to maintain the recipe’s texture and structure. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

• How can I tell if the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bars are done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan’s sides and have a golden brown color.

What Makes These Pumpkin Bars So Irresistible

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Warm spices and creamy frosting make these bars an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages, guaranteeing smiles around the table.
• Seasonal Celebration Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with a recipe that brings cozy flavors and festive vibes to any gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties.
• Quick and Satisfying Dessert: Whip up these bars in under an hour, offering a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guest appearances.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars

• All Purpose Flour: Soft and fine flour for a tender base.
• Baking Powder: Light and fluffy rising agent.
• Baking Soda: Helps bars rise and enhances texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg: Warm and cozy seasonal spice blend.

• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth and classic autumn vegetable base.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps bars moist and tender.
• Eggs: Binding agent for structure.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet and rich flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy and rich base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Smooth and sweet finishing touch.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Sugars
• Vegetable oil

Whip until smooth.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each.

Fold in pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Nutmeg

Gradually introduce dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Frosting

While bars cool, prepare the luscious topping.

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Blend until silky smooth.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy and light.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once bars have completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting in an even layer.

Slice into squares and enjoy your autumn treat!

Tips for Baking Moist Pumpkin Bars

• Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and taste of pumpkin bars.
• Let eggs, cream cheese, and butter sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfectly baked.
• Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before cutting to get neat, clean-edged squares that look bakery-perfect.
• Customize the spice blend by increasing or decreasing ground spices to match your personal flavor preference.

How to Store Pumpkin Bars with Frosting

• Store covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a soft, comforting treat with the cream cheese frosting still creamy and delectable.

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy, spiced old fashioned pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting bring autumn’s warmest comfort to dessert tables. Rich seasonal flavors and nostalgic textures invite you to savor classic fall baking perfection.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 ounces) can pumpkin puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease and a light dusting of flour, then set the oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Create a luscious base by vigorously blending sugars and oil until thoroughly integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete mixture after each addition, followed by folding in the pumpkin puree.
3. In a separate container, meticulously combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, aromatic spices like cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg – whisking to eliminate potential lumps.
4. Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform batter emerges with no visible streaks of flour.
5. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly with a spatula, then slide into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges pristine.
6. Allow the baked bars to cool completely, reaching room temperature, which prevents frosting from melting.
7. For the creamy topping, whip softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, luxurious texture, then gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
8. Once bars are entirely cooled, lavishly spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface, creating an even, decadent layer.
9. Slice into neat squares and serve, revealing the perfectly spiced, moist autumn-inspired dessert.

Notes

• Ensure pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent soggy bars, maintaining a perfect texture that’s moist yet firm.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, keeping the rich autumn flavor intact.
• Reduce sugar by 25% and use alternative sweeteners like stevia for a lower-calorie dessert without compromising taste.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform and tender bar texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg