Easy Pumpkin Bars

These easy pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are effortless – simply bake, slice, and serve these cute pumpkin squares for an indulgent fall treat.

These pumpkin spice bars are irresistibly moist and delicious! 

This recipe is perfect for serving to guests and transporting to parties. They are moist and tender, but sturdy enough to be cut into a bar shape so they are served a bit easier than a traditional cake. 

As we all know that when it comes to baking, there’s a time and place for every type of dessert. I can honestly say that I pretty much love them all (unfortunately for me, anyway).

However, I think that deciding what to make next, or what to bring to a gathering or serve to friends and family is part of the fun and excitement of baking. It’s nice to have a solid repertoire of recipes that are good for different occasions!

Pumpkin Bars

If you love everything pumpkin, be sure to start with my ultimate collection of pumpkin desserts. You’ll find tips, tricks and incredible recipes all revolving around the classic fall favorite- PUMPKIN!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Flour – All purpose flour and no need to sift. 
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Both, to make this cake rise to perfection.
• Salt – This pantry staple brings out all of the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Spices – A blend of cinnamon and allspice give these pumpkin bars the best fall flavor. Don’t have allspice? It’s so easy to make your own allspice blend with this recipe! If you don’t have any allspice or pumpkin pie spice on hand, don’t fret, just combine equal parts cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg.
• White Granulated Sugar – Sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness. 
• Vanilla – I use vanilla extract in just about everything and it adds just a touch of flavor that makes this cake out of this world good!
• Applesauce – The secret to making these pumpkin squares so moist is in the sauce – applesauce! It adds moisture, acidity and a hint of fresh fruit flavor that makes these bars so delicious! 
• Vegetable Oil – Okay, we can’t give applesauce all the credit. Vegetable oil also adds to the tender crumb and moist texture of these pumpkin bars.

• Pumpkin Puree – Canned pumpkin puree is cooked and mashed squash. Don’t be confused with pumpkin pie filling that is already sweetened and spiced!
• Eggs – The eggs in this cake act as a binder, and they also create more moisture and the perfect spongy texture. 

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Butter – Salted or unsalted, it’s your choice! I always use salted for a little balance to the sweet.
• Cream Cheese – Full fat for best results. Learn how to soften cream cheese – so easy!
• Vanilla – It’s the ultimate fragrant addition to your baking- don’t use imitation vanilla. 
• Powdered Sugar – This is a must-have ingredient for your frosting because of the incredibly fine texture. No other sugar will do – learn how to make powdered sugar if you’re in a pinch!

Variations

• These pumpkin spice bars are delicious just as they are, but if you wish, you can fold chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, walnuts or pecans into the batter. 
• Decorate it with your favorite fall nuts or Candied Nuts.
• Spice it up – add 1 Tablespoon pumpkin spice to the cream cheese frosting.
• Not into that savory cream cheese flavor? Top these pumpkin spice bars with Salted Caramel Frosting. Just add a touch of heavy cream or heavy milk for a fluffier texture, or top with my homemade whipped cream.

How to Make

An overview, visit the printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.

1. Wet Ingredients – In the bowl of your electric mixer, mix wet ingredients.
2. Dry Ingredients – Mix dry ingredients together, separately in a large bowl.
3. Combine – Gradually fold dry into wet until just combined. Careful not to over-mix.
4. Add to Pan – Pour into a prepared baking pan.
5. Bake – As directed, until toothpick test comes out clean.
6. Make frosting.
7. Cool and Serve – Allow bars to cool completely, frost and serve!

Serving Suggestions

• Skip the frosting and top with Homemade Whipped Cream instead.
• Or, try this Mascarpone Cream.
• Pair with Cinnamon Ice Cream or Eggnog Ice Cream.
• Top with Salted Caramel Frosting instead of the cream cheese frosting. 

How to Store

• Room Temperature – Bring to room temperature. Store without frosting in an airtight container or plastic bag up to three days. If you add the cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars need to be refrigerated about approximately two hours at room temperature.
• Refrigerator – Due to the cream cheese frosting, these bars are best served immediately or refrigerated. Cover your pumpkin spice bars using plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate up to five days.
• Freezer – Yes, you can freeze these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and store for up to six months.