Pumpkin bars are a beloved dessert, especially during the autumn season when the comforting aroma of warm spices fills the air. With roots in American fall traditions, these bars blend the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—flavors reminiscent of Thanksgiving and cozy gatherings. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this pumpkin bars recipe is a delicious, foolproof way to bring warmth to your table.
These bars are known for their soft, cake-like texture, spiced flavor profile, and often topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Their versatility and ease make them a go-to for potlucks, bake sales, and family desserts.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
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1 cup (240ml) canned pumpkin puree
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp ground cloves
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Substitutions:
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
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Low Sugar: Opt for a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and combined. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. -
Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing. -
Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. -
Prepare Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until smooth. -
Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Overbaking leads to dry bars—check at 25 minutes.
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Don’t skip cooling before frosting; it’ll melt!
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Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened for smooth frosting.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Enhance Flavor: Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds to unlock deeper flavor.
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Better Texture: Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and create a fluffier bar.
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Tools to Use: Stand mixer or hand mixer for frosting, offset spatula for even spreading, parchment paper for easy removal.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
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Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and dairy-free frosting alternatives.
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Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for texture.
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Spiced Swirl: Swirl in a bit of cinnamon sugar into the batter for added contrast.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Add a cheesecake swirl before baking.
Serving Suggestions
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Presentation: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts on top of the frosting.
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Pair With: Serve alongside chai tea, hot apple cider, or a spiced latte.
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Occasions: Great for Thanksgiving dessert tables, fall brunches, or cozy Sunday baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approx. Based on 20 Servings)
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Calories: ~220
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Carbohydrates: ~28g
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Protein: ~2g
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Fats: ~10g
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Fiber: ~1g
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Sugar: ~18g
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on substitutions and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well-drained and smooth.
How do I store pumpkin bars?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temp before serving for best flavor.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze frosted or unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Use Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a different but tasty frosting alternative.
Closing Thoughts
Pumpkin bars are more than just a fall dessert—they’re a celebration of the season’s best flavors. With their moist crumb, spiced warmth, and luscious frosting, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe box. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just a cozy night in, give this recipe a try—you’ll love the results!
