These delicious Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall dessert. They are moist, irresistible and full of yummy pumpkin flavor. Easy to eat with just your fingers, they will be great for your next fall gathering. They’ll go fast, so bring both pans!
I have been making these pumpkin bars for years. I bring them to all kinds of fall gatherings and they are always an enormous hit. I shared a batch with friends over the weekend and all that was left were a few small crumbs in the pans (which were quickly gobbled up by my sweets-loving boys). The combination of creamy-dreamy frosting and pumpkin bars is so phenomenally delicious and I love how easy they are to prepare. See my video below for proof! If you want to be the star at your next party, add these to your list!
HERE’S A VIDEO ON MAKING THE BEST AND MOISTEST PUMPKIN BARS FOR YOU TO ENJOY!
Enjoy the step-by-step video tutorial we have created for this recipe! Our goal is to make your time in the kitchen as easy as possible and to ensure that your version of this recipe is a success. See our full collection of cooking and baking videos on YouTube!
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN BARS
A light and fluffy pan of bars is just the way to enjoy a fall day with your family, enjoying a sweet fall treat as you pass the day together!
PREPARE THE BARS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9×9 square baking pans with cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil vanilla and pumpkin. Mix on medium speed until creamy and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture until combined.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool.
PREPARE THE FROSTING:
Combine the cream cheese and butter along with confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl. Mix on medium speed (using whisk attachments) until smooth, approximately 1 minute. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and cut into squares.
RECIPE TIPS
A jelly roll pan will work as a substitute for the 2 square baking pans. Then it comes out more like sheet cake.
Pumpkin pie spice is a pre-mixed combination of spices that can be used to flavor pies and bars. The spices are generally ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and sometimes all-spice. In this recipe, we do not use this pre-mixed combination. It is nice to have on hand if you need it for other recipes.
Substitute canola oil for vegetable oil if that is what you have on hand.
IS CANNED PUMPKIN AND PUMPKIN PUREE THE SAME THING?
Canned pumpkin is straight-up pumpkin that has been put into a can. Some pumpkin puree contains other ingredients that flavors it, making it pumpkin-pie ready. Read your labels to see what you’re getting in your next can of pumpkin!
SUBSTITUTE FOR PUMPKIN PUREE
Equal parts of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash is a great substitution and you might not even be able to tell the difference!
DELICIOUS PUMPKIN RECIPES
I hope you enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars! Did I mention how good your house will smell while they’re baking? For more delicious pumpkin fall treats, check out these delicious recipes!
PERFECT FALL TREATS
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Don’t let those delicious little pumpkin seeds go to waste when carving pumpkins! Learn how to prepare those raw pumpkins seeds. Season and roast them, they’re easy to make! They turn into a delicious little fall snack that will get gobbled up by all.
Halloween Snack Mix – This sweet and salty Halloween Snack Mix is a great Fall snack to have on hand. It is perfect for a handful on the run or a great snack for kiddos after school! It’s also great for Fall- or Halloween-themed parties! Mix and match the snacks you have on hand to build your snack mix.
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake -The only thing better than salted caramel apples is Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake! This is the perfect fall treat and a great way to use up any type of apples.
Best Apple Crisp – This delicious Apple Crisp recipe is the best. It is tried, tested and NEVER fails! It is the perfect way to use up apples in the fall. You’ll love the oatmeal brown sugar topping and the flavors of the apples dusted with cinnamon shines through. It also tastes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes – Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes are the tastiest way to use up apples! Salted caramel oozes over apple cupcakes that are topped with apple-infused icing. These are irresistible!
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Introducing the only Pumpkin Cookie recipe you’ll ever need in your life. These cookies are DELICIOUS and so soft, pillowy, light and fluffy. The Cream Cheese Frosting complements them absolutely perfectly. This is the perfect easy dessert to bring to any fall gathering!
BEST Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients
BARS
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 tsp. salt
FROSTING
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9×9 square baking pans with cooking spray and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and pumpkin. Mix on medium speed until creamy and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture until combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool.
- Combine the butter, cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Mix on medium speed (using whisk attachments) until smooth, approximately 1 minute. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and cut into squares.
I just made these yesterday and shared them with neighbors. Delicious!