Name: Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 oz pumpkin puree; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup oil; 1 teaspoon Vanilla; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 cups flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup butter (softened, not melted); 1 Tablespoon heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 24 reviews

Imagine biting into the perfect marriage of autumn spices and creamy frosting, all wrapped up in a portable, shareable treat—these Pumpkin Pie Bars are the answer to every fall dessert craving. With a tender, pumpkin-packed base and a dreamy cream cheese topping, this recipe takes everything you love about classic pumpkin pie and delivers it in a delightfully easy-to-enjoy bar form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd or simply craving something cozy, Pumpkin Pie Bars bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Bars is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building that irresistible flavor and texture. From bold spices to creamy extras, these essentials are what make this dessert unforgettable.

Pumpkin Puree (15 oz): The heart of the bars, giving them rich flavor and moist texture.
Eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and creating structure.
Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the bars perfectly, balancing out all the spices.
Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the bars super moist and tender.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons, divided): Aromatic and sweet, it deepens the overall flavor.
Ground Ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, warm spice that complements the pumpkin.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice of autumn, essential for that classic pumpkin pie flavor.
Ground Cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a touch of bold, earthy sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives the bars their shape and soft crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch heightens all of the other flavors.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise with a gentle lift.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra leavening for lightness.
Cream Cheese, softened (4 ounces): Forms the luscious base for the frosting.
Butter, softened (1/4 cup): Blends with the cream cheese to make the frosting rich and velvety.
Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon): Gives the frosting a silky-smooth finish.
Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready

Start by preparing a 9″x 9″ baking dish. Line it with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This ensures your Pumpkin Pie Bars will lift out effortlessly later, and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Base

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and all the spices are evenly incorporated, which guarantees every bite bursts with autumn flavor.

Step 3: Bring in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This step prevents any clumps and makes sure all your leavening agents are distributed for an even rise.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the pumpkin blend, mixing well. Follow with the remaining dry ingredients and continue mixing until the batter is silky and lump-free. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl, then give it a final mix on high for a few seconds—this ensures you capture every bit of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting, spiced pumpkin aroma as they bake.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the Pumpkin Pie Bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. This step is vital, as a cool base ensures your creamy frosting will set perfectly on top without melting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the second teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending it in for an extra layer of cozy fragrance.

Step 8: Add the Sugar and Cream

Add half of the powdered sugar and the heavy cream to the mixture and beat until just combined. Follow with the rest of the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is perfectly mixed.

Step 9: Chill the Frosting

Place your bowl of frosting in the fridge while the bars finish cooling. Chilling stiffens the frosting slightly, making it easier to spread and ensuring clean, beautiful layers on your Pumpkin Pie Bars.

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for a charming garnish. Return to the refrigerator for about an hour so the frosting sets before slicing into neat squares.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon over the frosted bars is a simple, beautiful finishing touch. For special occasions, consider topping each square with a candied pecan or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The golden-orange color, creamy frosting, and hint of spice look just as gorgeous on a holiday platter as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Pie Bars shine alongside a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or mulled cider. For dessert spreads, serve with fresh apple slices or whipped cream for added indulgence. If you’re planning a fall brunch, these bars hold their own paired with fruit salad or yogurt parfaits.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into tiny bite-sized cubes for a festive dessert buffet, or arrange full-sized squares on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. You could even layer crumbled bar pieces in mason jars with extra frosting for adorable Pumpkin Pie Bar parfaits!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Pie Bars store beautifully. Simply cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days. The flavor actually deepens after a day or two, making them perfect for prepping ahead of parties or family gatherings.

Freezing

Looking to make this treat even farther in advance? After cooling and frosting, cut the bars and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then wrap each square individually or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Pumpkin Pie Bars will keep in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these bars, as they taste fantastic chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge, or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for a tender, just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade puree is well-drained and thick—excess water can make your Pumpkin Pie Bars too soft. The flavor will be just as wonderful, possibly even richer.

What can I substitute for the oil?

If you prefer, melted butter or unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of oil. Butter will give a slightly richer taste, while applesauce yields a lighter crumb and a touch of natural sweetness.

Can I make Pumpkin Pie Bars gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The bars will still come out soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, just like the classic version.

Is it possible to make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to two days in advance. Simply keep it covered in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before spreading it on the bars when ready.

Do Pumpkin Pie Bars need to be refrigerated?

Because of the creamy frosting, it’s best to store Pumpkin Pie Bars in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh, safe, and just the right consistency for perfect slicing and serving.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about baking up a batch of Pumpkin Pie Bars and sharing them with friends or family. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or just looking to wow your dessert table, these bars always hit the spot—warm, spiced, and irresistibly creamy. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular in your fall baking tradition!