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The Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (Sheet Pan Friendly)

A close-up of a moist square of pumpkin bars with thick cream cheese frosting on a white plate.

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Make these moist pumpkin bars topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy sheet pan recipe delivers classic fall flavor perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  10. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your pumpkin bars are fully cooled before applying the cream cheese frosting.
  • You can make these bars ahead of time; store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • If you want a slightly tangier frosting, add one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the frosting mixture.

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