Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel
Moist pumpkin bars baked with warm spices and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Finished with a touch of caramel for a rich Fall treat.
September 2025 update: I first shared these Pumpkin Bars back in November 2023. We have made them every Fall since and will continue to make them every Fall after this one. They are the perfect Fall treat. In this update, I freshened up the content for you, added some additional tips to make the perfect bars and included. a serving suggestions section.
👩🍳Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (The Perfect Fall Dessert)
With Fall in the air, I can’t help but feel a little extra sentimental. Both of my kids were born in the Fall, and my own birthday is right around Thanksgiving. Living here in Missouri, the season feels like a well-earned gift after the sweltering days of August. The air cools, the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, and the scent of pumpkin spice and apple pie seems to linger everywhere. Soon enough, fireplaces crackle to life, and there’s nothing quite like the smoky warmth of a fire to make you feel grounded and grateful.
And honestly, what better way to celebrate this season than with a pan of homemade Pumpkin Bars slathered in creamy caramel cream cheese frosting? These bars are everything I love about Fall baked into one treat. They’re moist and tender with just the right balance of pumpkin and warm spices, the kind of dessert that makes your whole kitchen smell like home.
The frosting is silky, rich, and kissed with caramel for a little extra indulgence. Slice them into squares for a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or serve them as the star of your Thanksgiving dessert table. Either way, they’re a sweet reminder of why Fall is the best season of all.
🛒 Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Crumbled Topping
🥣 How to Make Pumpkin Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the bars lift out easily for slicing. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, making sure to get into the corners so nothing sticks.
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Don’t rush this step because it adds air to the batter, which keeps the bars tender instead of dense.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays silky and smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients separately keeps the baking soda and powder from clumping and ensures your bars rise evenly.
Slowly add this dry mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the bars tough, so stop once the flour streaks disappear.
Fold in the pumpkin puree until the batter is a uniform orange color. Use a spatula and be gentle here. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor so you want it fully mixed in, but you don’t want to deflate the air you’ve already worked into the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. If the toothpick is wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off, so patience really pays off here.
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time. If the frosting seems too stiff, add a splash of milk to loosen it. If it’s too soft, add more powdered sugar until it spreads easily but holds its shape.
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly across the surface. For a pretty finish, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar over the top. Slice into neat squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
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Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel
Equipment
- Stand Mixer Or large mixing bowl
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cup pumpkin puree
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Sprinkle Topping
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1½ cups white sugar in an electric mixer or large mixing bowl.
- Add 4 large eggs and mix well. It will be kinda lumpy.
- Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, and 2 tsp baking powder. Slowly add dry ingredients to mixer.
- Carefully blend 2 cup pumpkin puree into batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.
- Top with caramel cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the bars cool, make the cream cheese frosting. In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, blend together 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup caramel sauce and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Slowly begin adding 4 cups powdered sugar and blend well. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Notes
Substitutions
Cinnamon is the star here, but feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice if you love a little extra warmth.
Not a fan of caramel? Leave it out and stick with classic cream cheese frosting. Or, for something different, try a maple glaze or dust the bars with powdered sugar.
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Is pure pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?
These two terms are used interchageably to mean the same thing. I would use homemade pure pumpkin puree though. Sometimes canned pumpkin is a mixture of other squashes along with pumpkin and no one knows what else they add to it.
How do I make pumpkin puree from scratch?
Cut a sugar pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until soft. Let the pumpkins cool, then blend them in a food processor until smooth. Every pumpkin isn’t sized the exact same but you can expect to get anywhere from 2-3 cups per pumpkin.
Serving Suggestions For Pumpkin Bars
These pumpkin bars are already rich and flavorful on their own, but a few little touches can take them over the top. If you’re serving them at a fall gathering, cut them into small squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with cinnamon sticks or mini pumpkins for an autumn vibe. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream makes them extra indulgent.
For something simple, enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or apple cider in the afternoon. They also make a great dessert after a cozy dinner like chili, roast chicken, or a creamy pasta. If you want to go festive, serve them alongside a spread of other fall treats like apple crisp, pecan pie, or spiced cookies.
Other Fall Recipes to Try
If you’re as smitten with Fall as I am, then you know this season is all about comfort food. The kind of meals that warm your kitchen, fill the air with cozy aromas, and make you want to gather around the table a little longer.
Start with something hearty like Old-Fashioned Beef and NoodlesOld-Fashioned Beef and Noodles, where slow-cooked beef melts into a rich broth with tender noodles. Or bake up a golden and creamy Corn Casserole that is both savory and sweet. It is the perfect side for any Fall feast. If you’re craving all the flavor of lasagna without the layering, Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Dumplings is a cozy bowl of comfort.
When you want something lighter but still full of flavor, try a pot of Chicken and White Bean Chili made extra delicious with smoky poblanos. For a fun twist on bread, Cranberry Goat Cheese Rolls bring a burst of tangy sweet flavor to the table. Cherry Jalapeño and Goat Cheese Meatballs hit that irresistible balance of spicy and sweet.
For weeknight dinners, Easy Turkey Meatloaf in the smoker or oven is juicy, flavorful, and fuss free. Or go for creamy Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes with a Marshmallow Ribbon, a dish that tastes like pure Fall and looks just as good on a holiday spread as it tastes. If you’re after pure comfort, One-Pan Chicken Pot Pie with Rosemary Biscuits is a crowd pleaser with flaky biscuits baked right on top.
To elevate your Fall menu, try the Slow-Cooked Pomegranate Glazed Pot Roast, a little fancy but completely effortless. Or bake up Spiced Buttered Rum Apple Cider Muffins, which are as cozy as they sound. For something fun and filling, the Sweet Potato Cheeseburger Skillet is a cheesy one pan wonder.
Seasonal flavors shine in Roasted Chicken with Chickpea Stuffing and Tarragon Butter, and homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce is a dish you will want to make on repeat. Do not forget the classics like Loaded Potato Soup and Smooth Creamy Herbed Tomato SoupSmooth Creamy Herbed Tomato Soup, both perfect with a side of crusty bread on a cold evening. And if you need a hearty stew, Red Wine Beef Stew with Stew Meat is rich, cozy, and unforgettable.
Excellent pumpkin bars. Very easy recipe and was explained very well. We did regular cream cheese frosting but did out the ‘brown sugar & cinnamon’ sprinkle on top. Will definitely be doing this again!