Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

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As soon as fall hits Texas, there’s something in the air that makes us crave the rich warmth of seasonal spices and comforting, homemade treats. For me, that means diving into one of my all-time favorite pumpkin bar recipes.

These easy pumpkin bars with maple cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall treat. They bring together the fragrant spices of pumpkin pie spice with the sweetness of pumpkin to create flavorful pumpkin bars that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

These bars are my go-to during pumpkin season, a time of year that just begs for cozy desserts. The pumpkin mixture blends beautifully with granulated sugar, warm spices, and a soft, cake-like texture that makes these moist pumpkin bars an instant hit.

Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply looking for a delicious pumpkin recipe to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• Pumpkin Puree: I always keep a can of canned pumpkin puree in my pantry when pumpkin season rolls around. It’s the foundation for these classic pumpkin bars.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the bars while balancing the warm spices.
• Coconut Oil: Keeps the bars tender and moist.
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The essential base for these bars, holding everything together.
• Pumpkin Pie Spices: A blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger that gives the bars their signature fall flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are key to making sure your bars rise perfectly.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.

For the Frosting:

• Butter & Cream Cheese: This duo creates the base for that luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds a rich note to the frosting.
• Maple Syrup: Optional, but the perfect complement to the spices in the bars.
• Powdered Sugar: This gives the frosting its creamy sweetness.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking Pan: A 18×13-inch jelly roll pan works best to ensure even baking.
• Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping up the smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting.
• Large Bowl and Small Bowl: For mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Whisk and Rubber Spatula: To ensure everything is mixed to perfection.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier later.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, coconut oil, and eggs. This is your pumpkin mixture that forms the base of the bars.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.

Bake the Bars: Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top of the bars springs back when lightly pressed. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, use an electric hand mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add in the vanilla bean paste and maple syrup, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Frost and Slice: Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top of the bars. Cut into squares, and you’ve got yourself the best pumpkin bar recipe ready to serve.

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Chef Secrets for Success

• Homemade Pumpkin Bars: If you have time, making your own pumpkin purée can take these bars to the next level, though canned pumpkin puree works just as well.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spices to your taste. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg never hurt anyone!
• Don't Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, stir just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
• Perfect Texture: The best way to achieve soft, moist pumpkin bars is not to overbake them. Start checking the bars at 20 minutes, and pull them out when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are a fantastic dessert for any fall gathering, but they also make a great breakfast treat paired with a hot cup of coffee. You could serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Their tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness, making them irresistible.

Common Questions

Can I freeze these bars? 

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months.

How long will they stay fresh? 

These bars stay moist and delicious for up to three days if kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover bars? 

If you have any leftovers, you can store the cool bars in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make this with leftover pumpkin? 

Absolutely! If you’ve got some leftover pumpkin from making pumpkin bread or pie, this is a great way to use it up.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you need to store these bars, keep them in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the fridge. They’re just as good the next day, and you can even freeze them for longer storage. 

To reheat, let them come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the frosting.

These pumpkin bars are the perfect treat for pumpkin lovers everywhere. Whether you’re making them for the first time or they’ve become a family favorite, they’re guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the smells and flavors of fall.

More Pumpkin Recipes

• Amish Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling
• 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
• Pumpkin Dump Cake