Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic treat that brings all the warm flavors of autumn right into your kitchen, then let me introduce you to the absolute delight that is Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars combine moist, spiced pumpkin goodness with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because the season calls for it, this recipe is pure comfort and joy in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s an easy, timeless dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients together for these pumpkin bars is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy richness that defines Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps lighten the texture of the bars.
• Brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars tender and moist without overpowering the spices.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure for a perfect crumb.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends earthy richness and natural moisture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary body and support for these bars to hold their shape.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft, cakey texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic fall flavor.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing that complements the spices beautifully.
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to provide a rich, aromatic touch.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, nutty spice note that rounds out the pumpkin mix.
• Cream cheese, softened: Essential for a rich, tangy frosting that’s the perfect pairing.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the frosting, making it silky and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth and smoothness to the frosting flavor.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly flour it. This simple step ensures your pumpkin bars come out perfectly every time without sticking, setting the foundation for your baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until everything is beautifully combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter smooth and airy. Stir in the pumpkin puree last to give the batter its luscious color and moist texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This aromatic blend of spices is key to achieving the classic Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting flavor you love. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.

Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it smoothly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell during baking will fill your kitchen with the hug of fall spices, making it impossible to wait for these bars to cool.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and luscious. This frosting is the hallmark of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and is what elevates your baking to a truly unforgettable treat.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the pumpkin bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Cut into generous squares, serve, and get ready for those delighted smiles and requests for seconds!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top for an extra pop of texture and flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a delightful sweetness and luxurious finish that pairs brilliantly with the spiced pumpkin and tangy frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair your pumpkin bars with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a strong cup of coffee to balance their sweetness. For brunch or dessert spreads, a bowl of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn the experience into a decadent celebration of fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy gathering. You can even layer small bars between sheets of wax paper to make charming edible gifts or add them to a dessert buffet with other seasonal treats for an inviting autumn feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (although they rarely last long!), store the bars covered tightly in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting benefits from being chilled, keeping everything fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting freeze wonderfully! Slice them into squares first, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you want a sweet bite.

Reheating

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, remove the frosting portion or gently warm just the bar portion for a few seconds before spreading frosting back on top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree the pumpkin yourself, then use the same amount as called for in the recipe. Just make sure the puree is smooth and drained of excess moisture to avoid soggy bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for the best structure.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

How long do these pumpkin bars last at room temperature?

With the cream cheese frosting, it’s safest to keep these bars refrigerated. At room temperature, they should be eaten within 2 hours to avoid any risk with the frosting’s freshness.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Doubling the recipe to fill two 9×13-inch pans works well, perfect for bigger gatherings or if you want to freeze some for later.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that perfect fall treat, one that’s bursting with cozy spices and topped with the creamiest frosting imaginable, I can’t recommend making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting enough. This recipe is a warm hug in dessert form, simple enough for a busy afternoon and special enough for any occasion. Baking these bars fills your home with incredible scents and fills your heart with happiness. Give them a try—you’ll be making them again and again before the season ends!

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