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The best moist pumpkin bars on board frosted with cream cheese.
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The Best Moist Pumpkin Bars

Soft and fluffy pumpkin bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for the perfect cozy fall dessert everyone loves.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings 35 squares
Calories 186kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240g / 8.4 oz) all-purpose flour, scoop & leveled
  • 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 15 oz (450g / 1 can) canned pumpkin puree, I use Libby’s
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, how to measure brown sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 250 g full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 113 g (1 stick / 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 10x15-inch baking pan (jelly roll pan) parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly mixed.
  • Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined into a thick batter, being careful not to overmix.
  • Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake: Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is springy to the touch. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Sift Ingredients: Sift the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice together into a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Cream Base: Using electric beaters, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Add Sugar: Gradually add the sifted sugar mixture, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  • Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 2x2-inch squares and serve.

Video

Notes

Store: Keep pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Alternatively, arrange them in a single layer in a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1996IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg