Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe – An Autumn Favorite to Savor

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of warm pumpkin wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. It feels just right, like a hug from an old friend, when I bake a batch of Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting. I can almost hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and feel the chill in the air, signaling that it’s time to indulge in cozy treats. This recipe not only fills your home with comforting aromas but also creates sweet memories with each delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days
• Comforting homemade flavor that warms the heart
• Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Great for any occasion, from fall gatherings to cozy nights in
• Always a crowd-pleaser, even among the pickiest eaters

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  (Essential for that nice, chewy texture.)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  (Helps the bars rise beautifully.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  (The quintessential fall spice.)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  (Adds a warm, nutty flavor.)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  (Just a hint of spice for warmth.)
• ½ teaspoon salt
  (Balances the sweetness.)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  (For that lovely sweet touch.)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
  (Keeps everything moist and tender.)
• 2 large eggs
  (A binding element for the bars.)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  *(This is the star of the show!) *
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  (For a delightful crunch.)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  (Perfect for creamy frosting.)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  (Gives frosting a rich texture.)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
  (For that sought-after sweetness.)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  (Adds depth and flavor to the frosting.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  (A must for that cozy aroma.)
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
  (To achieve the perfect frosting consistency.)

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, then dust it with flour. This will help the bars release easily once baked.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Just imagine the cozy aroma from those spices already starting to fill the air!

3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and combined. This mix should be silky and glossy—just perfect.

4. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. You want that vibrant orange color to shine through.

5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until they’re just combined. Avoid overmixing, or your bars might turn out dense. You want them soft and fluffy!

6. If you’re using nuts, stir them in now, then pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly, tempting everyone in the house!

8. Once baked, let the bars cool completely before frosting them. Patience is key here; the frosting is best when the bars are fully cooled down.

9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy—this should have a dreamy texture.

10. Gradually add the powdered and brown sugar, mixing until combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

11. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable but still has body.

12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. The creamy topping sits beautifully on those soft bars, making them even more irresistible.

13. Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to be devoured!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving Trick: You can make the bars a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight.
• Common Mistake Fix: If your bars seem a bit dry, you might have overbaked them. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!
• Flavor Variation: Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest for a fresh citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.

Serving Ideas

These Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying during movie nights. Serve them fresh from the pan with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts on top. They’re also great with a cup of warm cider or cozy hot chocolate on a chilly evening. Trust me; you won’t want to keep them all to yourself!

Storing & Leftovers

• Keep leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
• You can freeze them for longer storage, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• When you’re ready to indulge again, allow them to thaw and enjoy them straight from the fridge, or microwave them for 10 seconds to warm them up—so comforting!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — this recipe is very forgiving. You could swap the nuts for chocolate chips or skip them altogether.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

Baking Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting is more than just following a recipe; it’s about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating cherished memories. This treat, with its rich, moist bars and creamy frosting, has a special place in my heart. I hope it brings joy to your home the way it has in mine. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—trust me, these pumpkin bars will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just as they are in mine!

Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting

Deliciously soft pumpkin bars topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin Bars

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Essential for that nice, chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bars rise beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon The quintessential fall spice.
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds a warm, nutty flavor.
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves Just a hint of spice for warmth.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar For that lovely sweet touch.
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps everything moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs A binding element for the bars.
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree This is the star of the show!
• 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans Optional for a delightful crunch.

For the Frosting

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened, perfect for creamy frosting.
• 4 ounces cream cheese Softened for a rich texture.
• 3 cups powdered sugar For that sought-after sweetness.
• 0.5 cups packed light brown sugar Adds depth and flavor to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A must for that cozy aroma.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream To achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, then dust it with flour.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and combined.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. If using nuts, stir them in now, then pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Baking

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Once baked, let the bars cool completely before frosting them.

Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered and brown sugar, mixing until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable but still has body.
4. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
5. Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to be devoured!

Notes

You can make the bars a day in advance. If the bars seem dry, check your baking time. For a flavor twist, add orange zest.