Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this pumpkin bars recipe?

Yes, but you'll need to prepare it properly. Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, then strain through cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. Measure 1¾ cups for this recipe. The flavor may be slightly different but equally delicious.

How do I know when my pumpkin bars are done baking?

The top should spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges might pull away slightly from the pan.

Can I make this pumpkin bars recipe without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different—a bit denser but still delicious.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

You can make and frost these bars up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. For the freshest taste, bake the bars ahead but frost them the day of your event.

Can I add mix-ins to this pumpkin bars recipe?

Absolutely! Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries after mixing the batter. Just be careful not to overmix when incorporating these additions.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe That Turns Every Bite Into Fall Magic 2025

Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

These moist and warmly spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall comfort dessert—easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 large eggs, room temperature
1⅔ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15 oz can pure pumpkin puree
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gently combine with wet ingredients until just mixed.
Pour into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy.
Spread frosting evenly over bars. Chill for clean slicing, then serve.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the oil with applesauce. You can also use 2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 275
Sugar: 27g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pumpkin bars, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pumpkin-bars-recipe/