Soft Pumpkin Bars with Sweet Cream Frosting — A Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Love

When autumn arrives, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of warm spices and pumpkin baking in the oven. These Soft Pumpkin Bars with Sweet Cream Frosting are the perfect fall treat — fluffy, moist, and topped with a silky cream frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a fall party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is simple, delicious, and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

• Soft & Moist Texture: Each bite feels like a piece of pumpkin cake heaven.
• Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add that warm fall flavor.
• Sweet Cream Frosting: Rich, tangy, and creamy — a perfect match for pumpkin.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or techniques needed — just mix, bake, and frost!

These pumpkin bars are everything you want in a fall dessert — comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for beginners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Sweet Cream Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for smooth consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly butter it.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and oil until smooth. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.

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Step 4: Combine & Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until you get a smooth batter. Pour it into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let it cool completely before frosting — this step ensures your frosting won’t melt.

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Make the Sweet Cream Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until smooth. If the frosting feels thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired creamy texture.

Spread evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars using a spatula or butter knife.

Slice & Serve

Cut into squares or bars and serve chilled or at room temperature. Each piece is soft, fragrant, and topped with that dreamy, sweet cream frosting. These bars also store beautifully — you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze (without frosting) for up to 2 months.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars

Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling — they’re different!
Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the bars light and soft.
Always cool the bars completely before frosting.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

These Soft Pumpkin Bars are like a cozy hug in dessert form. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy frosting gives you that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They’re not overly heavy, so they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Best of all — they’re foolproof. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll get a bakery-quality dessert with minimal effort!

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars up to 2 months; thaw before adding frosting.
• Serving: Serve chilled for a denser texture or room temperature for a lighter feel.

Summary

These Soft Pumpkin Bars with Sweet Cream Frosting are the perfect fall dessert — warm, cozy, and irresistibly moist. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite for family and friends. So grab your pumpkin puree, preheat that oven, and fill your home with the delicious aroma of fall!

FAQs about Soft Pumpkin Bars