Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about pumpkin desserts—the warm spices, the cozy aroma, and that tender crumb that makes every bite feel like fall in your mouth. These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are one of my family’s favorite recipes, passed around at Thanksgiving potlucks, Halloween gatherings, and even Sunday dinners in October. They’re soft, spiced just right, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

Thank you for being here! I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. If you love cozy fall baking as much as I do, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a new seasonal treat.

Overview of Recipe Content

These pumpkin bars are like a cross between cake and brownies—moist, flavorful, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just a treat to brighten up your coffee break.

Why you’ll love them:

• They’re easy to make in one bowl.
• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Crowd-pleaser dessert that can be cut into bite-sized squares for parties.

What they taste like:
Sweet, moist, warmly spiced pumpkin cake topped with tangy, rich cream cheese frosting. Every bite is fall bliss!

Health/seasonal benefits: Pumpkin is full of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, these bars are lighter than heavy cakes—perfect for an autumn afternoon.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars:

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

Tools Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional but helpful for frosting)
• Rubber spatula

Suggested substitutions:

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use maple syrup in the frosting for a deeper fall flavor.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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1. Prepare the pan – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Whisk wet ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
4. Combine – Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should be smooth and thick.
5. Bake – Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cooled pumpkin bars.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars shine on their own, but you can elevate the spread with:

• A hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Warm apple cider for that perfect fall pairing.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always cool the bars before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
• Don’t skip the brown sugar—it adds depth and moisture.
• For extra flair, sprinkle cinnamon or crushed pecans over the frosted top.

Storage Instructions

• Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best texture.

General Information

Pumpkin desserts like these became popular in the U.S. in the 1950s when canned pumpkin puree became widely available. They’re still a nostalgic bake for many families during autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day ahead and frost the next day.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just bake in a half-sheet pan.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut the sugar by 1/3 without losing too much sweetness.

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Conclusion

These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything fall should taste like: cozy, spiced, and comforting. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your morning coffee.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Moist Pumpkin Bread or Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Glaze.

Until next time, happy baking! 🍂

Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your pumpkin bar photos on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes or tag me on Instagram.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 16 servings)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Saturated Fat	Fiber	Sodium
290	4g	35g	23g	15g	5g	2g	180mg

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