The Best Frosted Pumpkin Bars Recipe- Perfect For Fall!

It’s finally fall, and at our house, that means pumpkin everything! One of our absolute favorite treats this time of year is frosted pumpkin bars. My kids beg for these delicious bars, and I’m often asked to bring them to family parties, church events, and neighborhood gatherings. They’re so easy to make, and I guarantee you’ll love having this recipe in your back pocket. You might even find yourself volunteering to bring these frosted pumpkin bars to all your social engagements because they’re just that amazing!

Pin this so you can find it later!

Why You’ll Love These Frosted Pumpkin Bars

If you’re looking for a quick and simple recipe to feed a crowd, this one is my go-to for fall. It comes together in no time, and you only need one bowl—no need to dirty a bunch of dishes. The ingredients are basic, and you probably already have everything on hand to whip up a batch of these easy, delicious treats right now. Plus, the combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and luscious cream cheese frosting is truly irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy, making it an instant favorite for anyone who tries them.

This recipe makes a ton! It fills an entire jelly roll pan with frosted goodness, making it perfect for big gatherings. I get requests for this recipe every time I bring these bars somewhere. My family loves them so much that I often make them just for us, and when my waistline can’t handle an entire pan of pumpkin bars, I make plates for friends and neighbors, and my kids deliver them. Do my neighbors love me? I can’t speak for them, but yes, they do. Or, you can keep them all for yourself—no judgment here!

These bars have a perfectly soft and moist texture, thanks to the pumpkin puree, which keeps them tender and flavorful. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—add a warm, cozy flavor that screams fall in every bite. And let’s not forget the cream cheese frosting: rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spiced pumpkin base.

Are you having a hard time finding canned pumpkin in your local store? I’ve had good luck at Costco and on Amazon. If you’re looking for more simple, delicious recipes you can find my very favorites right here!

Frosted Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Frosted Pumpkin Bars- Ingredients

Frosted Pumpkin Bars:

• 4 Eggs
• 1 2/3 Cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 16 oz Can Pumpkin Puree
• 2 Cups White Flour
• 2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Cloves

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Milk

Frosted Pumpkin Bars- Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a jelly roll pan (15×10 inches) or line it with parchment paper. This size is perfect for creating bars that are just the right thickness.
2. Make the Pumpkin Bars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth. This step ensures that your bars will have a light and airy texture. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until well combined, but be careful not to overmix—you just want all the ingredients to come together.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This part is crucial because if the bars are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
4. Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. You want the frosting to be thick but spreadable, so it glides smoothly over the bars.
5. Frost the Bars: Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula to get a smooth, even layer of frosting. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Frosted Pumpkin Bars Tips and Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They keep well for several days, and I think they taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Make Ahead: These bars freeze beautifully! Make them ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze them. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost them the day you plan to serve.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars are perfect on their own, but they’re also delicious topped with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of fall flair.
• Customize the Frosting: If you want to switch it up, try adding a little maple extract to the frosting for a hint of fall flavor, or sprinkle the top with crushed graham crackers for added texture.

Conclusion

These frosted pumpkin bars are truly a fall classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, neighbors, or keeping them all to yourself (I won’t judge!), these bars are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. They’re soft, moist, and packed with warm spices that make them perfect for the season. The rich cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness, making these bars completely irresistible.

So, grab your baking pan and get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, you’ll be the hit of any party or family gathering with these pumpkin bars. Plus, there’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade treat with those you love—especially when it’s as good as this.

Happy baking, and enjoy the taste of fall!

Pumpkin Bars

Simple, delicious Frosted Pumpkin Bars. Makes enough to feed a small army.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

Pumpkin Bars

• 4 Eggs
• 1 2/3 Cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 Cup Vegatable Oil
• 16 oz Can Pumpking Puree
• 2 Cups White Flour
• 2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Cloves

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8oz Cream Cheese Softened
• 1/2 Cup Butter Softened
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• 4 Cups Powdered sugar
• 2 Tbl Milk

Instructions

 

Pumpkin Bars

• Preheat oven to 350. Beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until combined and fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Spread evenly in greased jelly roll pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese and butter. Better together with whisk attachment until combined. Add powdered sugar a little at a time and mix until smooth. Add milk as need to make frosting fluffy and spreadable. Frost cake.

Hey there!

I'm Melissa, your Disney vacation aficionado and full-time mom to four. Whether it's sipping Diet Dr. Pepper or sharing unbeatable Disney planning tips, I'm all about adding a touch of magic to everyday life. Let me help turn your Disney dreams into reality with insider advice and customized planning strategies. Join me on this magical journey and make every Disney adventure unforgettable! Read more...