Pumpkin Pie Bars are the ultimate autumn treat that brings the cozy warmth of fall straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or just craving something sweet on a crisp evening, these bars deliver that familiar pumpkin spice magic in every bite. Think of them as the perfect marriage between a soft pumpkin cake and the creamy richness of a traditional pie—easy to slice, easier to share, and dangerously easy to love. With a velvety layer of cream cheese frosting and a texture that’s moist but tender, this recipe is bound to be your go-to every pumpkin season.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bars:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired frosting thickness)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your homemade Pumpkin Pie Bars:
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined. - Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix. - Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool Completely
Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. - Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. - Frost & Slice
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into rectangles or squares and serve!
Recipe Details & Nutrition
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 18 bars
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)
- Calories: 424 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 39g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 296mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin A: 4070 IU
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 1mg
Tips & Variations
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Always check the label—avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to keep the bars tender and fluffy.
- Test with a Toothpick: Insert it into the center—if it comes out clean, your bars are ready.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Otherwise, the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide.
🔁 Variations You’ll Love
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a toasty flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
- Maple Frosting Twist: Swap some of the vanilla in the frosting with maple extract for a deeper fall flavor.
❓FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better the next day after the flavors meld. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best texture.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely
- Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost & Slice
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into rectangles or squares and serve!
Notes
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Pie Bars are everything you love about fall desserts—moist, rich, perfectly spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, potluck, or just because it’s pumpkin season, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. And the best part? They’re simple enough for a weeknight bake but indulgent enough for your holiday dessert table.