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Pumpkin spice bars are the perfect way to celebrate the fall season. With their warm, inviting flavors and a luscious cream cheese drizzle, these bars are sure to impress at your next gathering. Easy to make and packed with that beloved pumpkin spice goodness, they deliver all the cozy vibes without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pumpkin spice bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also simple to whip up. They’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a delightful cream cheese drizzle that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Perfect for Fall: Capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Quick prep time makes these bars a breeze.
- Gathering-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for parties and potlucks.
- Make Ahead: They store well, so you can bake in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Drizzle
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Once the bars are finished baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the pumpkin spice bars using a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative touch.
- Cut into squares and serve!
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip lining the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a different twist.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Try a dash of cloves for an even spicier kick.
What to Serve With It
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the spices.
- A cup of warm apple cider for a cozy pairing.
- Whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftover pumpkin spice bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese drizzle by beating cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and milk.
- Cool the bars for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the cooled bars, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes: Allow the bars to cool completely before icing for best results.





















