Name: Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Bars are soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They’re lighter than cake but just as satisfying, and the pumpkin keeps them moist without being heavy. Whether topped with cream cheese frosting or enjoyed plain, they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings cozy autumn vibes with every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin puree
All-purpose flour
Sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Eggs
Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla (for frosting, optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In another bowl, beat eggs, sugars, oil, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let bars cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (if desired).
Slice into squares or bars and serve.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–15.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Frosting-Free: Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
Nutty Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Stir in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Pumpkin Spice Boost: Replace individual spices with pumpkin pie spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If unfrosted, they can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days. Freeze (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth.

Do pumpkin bars need to be refrigerated?

If frosted with cream cheese frosting, yes. If unfrosted, they can be stored at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger pan or two pans, adjusting bake time as needed.

Can I make pumpkin bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and even taste better the next day.

What frosting is best for pumpkin bars?

Cream cheese frosting is traditional, but buttercream or maple glaze works too.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use flax eggs and dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.

Can I make them less sweet?

Reduce sugar slightly or skip the frosting for a lighter version.

Why are my bars dense?

Overmixing the batter can make them dense—mix just until combined.

Can I bake these in a different pan?

Yes, but baking time may vary depending on thickness.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts make great additions.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bars are a simple, cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. With their moist texture, warm spices, and optional cream cheese frosting, they’re a seasonal classic that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed plain or frosted, these bars are sure to become a go-to autumn recipe