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Soft Pumpkin Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

These pumpkin bars have a tender bite and hold together perfectly under a creamy, spiced frosting layer. Made with pure pumpkin and cozy spices, they’re a seasonal must-have for parties or family dinners.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:19:41 GMT
Pumpkin squares topped with cream cheese frosting and a dash of cinnamon. Pin it
Pumpkin squares topped with cream cheese frosting and a dash of cinnamon. | thefamilycooks.com

Irresistible Autumn Pumpkin Squares

I've gotta tell you about my go-to fall dessert. These Pumpkin Squares turn out amazing every time with their wonderful mix of autumn spices and that creamy spiced cheese topping. They're super simple to bring to gatherings and everyone always wants to know how to make them.

What Makes These Squares Special

Trust me, these aren't ordinary pumpkin treats. They've got this fantastic consistency that's wonderfully tender yet firm enough to grab with your fingers. The combo of brown sugar with those spices is absolutely divine, and once that cheese topping goes on, it's truly something magical.

Your Shopping List

  • Main Structure: All-purpose flour creates the ideal foundation.
  • Lift Agents: Combined baking soda and powder do the trick.
  • Warming Spices: Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon bring that autumn vibe.
  • Softness Secret: Veggie oil guarantees they stay tender.
  • Main Attraction: A full tin of pumpkin puree.
  • Sweeteners: White and brown sugar plus some maple syrup.
  • For Texture: Fresh eggs really improve everything.
  • Flavor Boost: Vanilla extract adds complexity.
  • Finishing Touch: That wonderful spiced cheese topping.
A close-up of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, arranged on a wooden board. Pin it
A close-up of pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon, arranged on a wooden board. | thefamilycooks.com

Cooking Instructions

First Things First
Combine your dry stuff to have it ready to go.
Mix It Up
In a separate bowl blend your eggs oil sugars pumpkin maple syrup and vanilla until it's nice and smooth.
Put It All Together
Mix everything just enough pour into your pan and cook at 350°F for around 30 minutes.
Last Step
Wait till they're totally cool then spread that tasty frosting make them look nice.

Add Your Personal Touch

I sometimes just sprinkle powdered sugar on top but that spiced cheese frosting really takes them up a notch. Try adding colorful sprinkles cute pumpkin toppers or a little caramel drizzle to make them look extra festive.

Storage Tips

Store them in your fridge and they'll stay tasty for about 4 days. Just let them sit out a bit before you eat them. Want to save them longer? They can stay in the freezer up to 3 months if you wrap them well and let them thaw overnight when you're ready to enjoy.

The Success Secret

These squares are the perfect middle ground between cake and cookie bars. They're soft but still easy to pick up with your fingers and that spiced cheese topping pairs so well with the pumpkin flavor. They're perfect for any autumn get-together or when you just need something cozy.

A plate of frosted pumpkin bars topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A plate of frosted pumpkin bars topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Store-bought canned pumpkin (like Libby's) gives you consistent quality and flavor, while homemade often has too much moisture.

→ Is there a way to use less oil?

Swap out half the oil for unsweetened applesauce. You’ll still get moist bars with fewer calories.

→ What’s the point of chilling before slicing?

Cooling down firms up the frosting and makes it easier to slice clean squares without a mess.

→ How early can these be prepped?

You can make them two days in advance without frosting, or freeze them for up to three months. Frosted ones can be frozen too.

→ Got a tip for homemade pumpkin pie spice?

Mix your own by combining ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in even amounts as needed.

Pumpkin Bars

Smooth and soft pumpkin treats covered in a luscious cream cheese layer. Perfectly mellow spices wrapped in autumn vibes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter.
02 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
03 1 teaspoon salt.
04 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
05 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
06 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
07 1 cup vegetable oil.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
10 3 cups confectioners' sugar.
11 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
12 3 large eggs.
13 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
14 15 ounces canned pumpkin.
15 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
16 2 cups all-purpose flour.
17 1 teaspoon baking soda.
18 1 cup packed brown sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Either grease a 10x15 inch tray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 03

Stir together the flour, salt, spices, baking soda, and baking powder.

Step 04

Whisk the oil, beaten eggs, pumpkin, both sugars, syrup, and vanilla thoroughly.

Step 05

Fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, then spread evenly in the pan.

Step 06

Let it bake for about 28 to 35 minutes. When done, let it cool fully.

Step 07

Beat the cream cheese and softened butter. Add the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla, then beat till smooth.

Step 08

Spread frosting over your cool bars. Chill for half an hour, then cut and serve.

Notes

  1. You can swap half the oil with applesauce if you'd like.
  2. Canned pumpkin tends to give better results than fresh.
  3. They stay good for five days in the fridge once frosted.
  4. Freeze them for up to three months if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 10x15 inch baking tray.
  • Electric beater or stand mixer.
  • Two large bowls for mixing.
  • Parchment for lining the tray.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter).
  • Has wheat in the flour.
  • Includes eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 3 g