The Best Soft & Fluffy Pumpkin Bars

With Cream Cheese Frosting!

If there is one fall recipe I look forward to every single year, it’s these soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Bars. They’re the kind of dessert that makes your whole kitchen smell like cinnamon, vanilla, and warm pumpkin — and they come together so easily that even on a busy weeknight, I can have a full pan frosted and cooling on the counter before dinner is ready.

This recipe has been in my family for years, and it’s the one I always get asked to bring to church events, small groups, and family gatherings. The bars themselves are moist and tender, thanks to a full can of pumpkin, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect sweet-tangy finish. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a cozy fall night at home, I know you’ll love them as much as we do.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars

• You only need one bowl and simple pantry staples.

• The texture is unbelievably soft — almost like a pumpkin cake.

• The flavor gets even better the next day.

• The cream cheese frosting makes them feel bakery-level special.

• Great for feeding a crowd… or just your family when everyone is craving something sweet.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup oil or melted butter

• 4 eggs

• 2 cups pumpkin (or one 15 oz can)

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1–2 tsp cinnamon (your preference!)

• 1–2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 2–3 cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

How to Make Pumpkin Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil (or melted butter).

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.

4. Stir in the pumpkin and vanilla.

5. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!

6. Pour into your greased pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until you reach your desired thickness.

3. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

4. Spread over cooled pumpkin bars with an offset spatula.

5. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

• Use melted butter for extra flavor — but oil gives them a slightly fluffier texture.

• Don’t skip the vanilla — it makes the pumpkin flavor so warm and cozy.

• Make ahead friendly: these bars taste even better the next day after the flavors settle.

• Double the frosting if you love a thick bakery-style layer!

How to Store Them

Keep your pumpkin bars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. They stay unbelievably soft!

Let Me Know If You Try Them!

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @weeknight_homemaker — I love seeing your bakes and sharing them! These Pumpkin Bars truly are one of my favorite autumn treats, and I hope they bring your home as much warmth and sweetness as they bring ours. I hope you try and love these!

Thank you so much for supporting my dreams!

Lauren Morgan