Easy Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist pumpkin bars infused with warm fall spices and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. These sheet pan bars deliver all the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie in a portable format that's perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or autumn gatherings. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a perfectly spiced base, while optional raisins and walnuts add texture and crunch. Much easier than making individual cupcakes, these bars feed a crowd and can be made ahead for busy schedules.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
- 2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flourwhole wheat pastry flour1:1healthiernuttier
slightly denser texture
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup raisins(optional)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped walnuts(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F and spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray
- 2
Beat eggs, granulated sugar, oil and pumpkin with wire whisk until smooth in large bowl
- 3
Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves
- 4
Stir in raisins and spread mixture in prepared pan
- 5
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and bars spring back when touched lightly in center
- 6
Cool completely, about 2 hours
- 7
Beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth
- 8
Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable
- 9
Spread frosting over bars and sprinkle with walnuts
- 10
Cut into 7 rows by 7 rows and store covered in refrigerator
Tips
Use room temperature eggs and softened cream cheese for the smoothest mixing and best texture
Make sure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting
Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days
Bars can be made 1 day ahead without frosting, wrap tightly
Serve chilled or at room temperature, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Cool bars completely before frosting to avoid melting
Beat frosting on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air
Cut with clean knife between cuts for neat squares
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without the frosting?
Yes, these bars are delicious plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar. They'll be less sweet but still moist and flavorful.
What if I don't have a 15x10x1-inch pan?
Use a 13x9-inch pan and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes. The bars will be thicker but equally delicious.
How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored covered in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The frosting helps keep them moist.