Go Back

Fantastic Pumpkin Bars

These Fantastic Pumpkin Bars are ridiculously easy to whip up, taste like pure autumn magic, and are the perfect balance of moist cake and dreamy cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ⅔ cups white sugar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree make sure it's puree, not pie filling
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups confectioners' sugar

Equipment

  • 10x15 inch baking dish
  • medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, generously grease and flour a 10x15 inch baking dish. This ensures your beautiful bars won't stick.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, beat your eggs. Then, whisk in the white sugar, canola oil, and pumpkin puree until everything looks nice and smooth. It's going to start smelling amazing already!
  4. Step 4: Now, stir in those shredded carrots and the crushed pineapple. This is where the extra texture and amazing moisture come from.
  5. Step 5: It's time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gently fold in the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until it's just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want tender bars!
  6. Step 6: Pour your glorious batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Step 7: Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting them. Patience is key here!
  9. Step 9: While your bars are cooling, let's make that irresistible cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until they're nice and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar, beating until everything is light and fluffy. If it seems a little too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk.
  10. Step 10: Once the bars are totally cool, spread that dreamy frosting evenly over the top. Then, cut them into squares and prepare for a delicious slice of autumn!

Notes

For a little extra texture, fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the carrots and pineapple. If you love ginger or nutmeg, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon of either to the spice blend. A little bit of orange zest (about 1 teaspoon) stirred into the batter can add a lovely bright note. Drizzle a little maple syrup over the batter before baking for a hint of maple goodness. Want a different frosting? Try my strawberry cream cheese frosting for a fruity twist, or a simple cinnamon buttercream.