Soft Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting | Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

by

There’s something magical about fall baking—the warm spices, the sweet pumpkin aroma filling the kitchen, and the cozy memories it brings back. These soft pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall dessert: tender, flavorful, and topped with a cloud of fluffy cream cheese frosting.

Soft pumpkin bars topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting, cut into squares.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and comes together easily in one bowl. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these pumpkin bars will be a hit every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bars:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment for easy removal).
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients – Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
  4. Bake the Bars – Pour batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  5. Make the Frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
  6. Frost & Serve – Spread frosting generously over cooled pumpkin bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Helpful Notes & Tips

  • Don’t skip cooling: Let the bars cool fully before frosting, or the cream cheese topping will melt.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: Bake bars a day before, store unfrosted, then frost before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Lightened Up Version – Swap half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter texture.
  • Spice it Your Way – Add extra cinnamon or use pumpkin pie spice if you like a stronger fall flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced apple cider, or a cozy hot chocolate.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.
  • Serve chilled for a firm bite or at room temperature for an ultra-soft texture.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert—moist, spiced, and perfectly sweet. They’re simple enough for a weeknight bake but special enough for holiday gatherings. Share them with family and friends, or keep a little slice of fall just for yourself.