Print

The Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist, square slice of orange pumpkin bars with thick, white cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these easy and moist pumpkin bars, bursting with fall spices and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for bars)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth.
  9. Beat in the vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
  10. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are fully softened to avoid lumps.
  • If you prefer a thicker frosting layer, increase the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly, one tablespoon at a time.
  • Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes after frosting for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/