Ultimate Moist & Cakey Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Your Perfect Fall Recipe!
Embrace the magic of autumn with these irresistibly moist and cakey pumpkin bars, crowned with a rich, pumpkin-spiced cream cheese frosting. They are the quintessential fall dessert, promising warmth, comfort, and a burst of seasonal flavor in every bite.
Oh, how my heart rejoices for fall! It’s truly my favorite season, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way. The air turns crisp, painting the leaves in brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold. There’s a comforting chill that beckons you to pull out your coziest sweaters and fuzzy socks, gather around a warm fire, and indulge in all things delightful. And what defines this season more perfectly than the enchanting aroma and taste of pumpkin spice? It’s more than just a flavor; it’s an experience, a signal that cozy days and delicious treats are here to stay for a while.
Yes, I admit it: in this household, we are “those girls.” The ones who eagerly await the return of pumpkin spice season, embracing every latte, candle, and, of course, every baked good infused with that warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a standing joke among friends and family, but frankly, we don’t care. We revel in being “those girls” for a few glorious months of the year, sipping our beloved pumpkin spice lattes with contented smiles, fully immersing ourselves in the spirit of autumn. This year, my obsession led me to create something truly special: the ultimate Pumpkin Spice Bars.
The inspiration for these delectable Pumpkin Spice Bars struck me while flipping through a cherished old cookbook, a treasure trove of recipes from a church in Lincoln, Nebraska. The moment I saw the recipe for pumpkin bars, I knew I had found my next fall baking project. With October just around the corner, my blog absolutely needed something new and pumpkin-infused! I immediately started gathering my ingredients, eager to whip up a batch. However, as I reached for the box of Bisquick in my pantry, I discovered I was almost out. A quick trip to the store wasn’t an option, so I decided to do what any resourceful home baker would: make my own homemade Bisquick mix!
And what a fantastic decision that turned out to be! Making homemade Bisquick is surprisingly simple and yielded truly superb results for these bars. It gave them an even more tender, cake-like texture, and I loved the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. If you find yourself in a similar predicament or simply prefer to use fresh, homemade ingredients, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a game-changer for many recipes that call for a ready-made baking mix, and it empowers you to control the ingredients in your baking.
Here is the recipe if you want to try it for yourself: How To: Make Homemade Bisquick Baking Mix. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how versatile it can be for future baking adventures!
These pumpkin spice bars are generously sized, filling a large jelly roll pan. This means there’s plenty to share with family, friends, or to keep all to yourself for a few days of delightful indulgence – if they even last that long! The aroma alone, as they bake in the oven, is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating a slice. They make for a perfect potluck dessert, a comforting after-dinner treat, or even a delightful snack with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
The magic of these bars lies in their incredible texture. They are wonderfully moist, almost like a dense cake, but with the satisfying chewiness of a bar. The pumpkin puree ensures a tender crumb, while the perfect blend of pumpkin pie spices infuses every bite with that iconic taste of autumn. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice, making these bars truly unforgettable. They are surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve spectacular results.
But what truly elevates these pumpkin bars from good to extraordinary is the pumpkin spiced cream cheese frosting. It’s a velvety smooth, tangy-sweet topping that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the bars. The addition of pumpkin spice creamer (or milk, if you prefer) into the frosting provides an extra layer of autumn flavor, making it incredibly luscious and addictive. The cool, creamy frosting creates a delightful contrast with the spiced pumpkin cake, resulting in a dessert that’s both refreshing and comforting at the same time. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the experience, balancing the spices and adding a luxurious finish.
Baking these delightful bars is a straightforward process. The key steps include ensuring your oven is properly preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing your jelly roll pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. When mixing the batter, combine the wet ingredients first (sugar, pumpkin, oil, and beaten eggs) until well incorporated. Then, gently fold in your baking mix, pumpkin spice seasoning, and optional raisins. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tougher bar. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan – a jelly roll pan (approximately 15 ½ x 10 ½ x 1 inch) is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness and ensuring even baking. The bars will bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allowing them to cool completely before frosting is crucial for preventing a runny mess. Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting!
For the frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature; this ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency. Cream them together with your choice of pumpkin spice liquid creamer or milk and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you reach your desired consistency – a thick, spreadable frosting that holds its shape. Once the bars are completely cool, spread this heavenly frosting generously over the top. Chill the frosted bars for at least an hour to allow the frosting to set, making them easier to slice into neat squares. These Pumpkin Spice Bars are not just a recipe; they’re an invitation to savor the season, to gather, and to create delicious memories. They are perfect for holiday entertaining, fall gatherings, or simply to treat yourself to a little slice of autumn heaven.
—
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Bars
Ingredients
BARS
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or your own HOMEMADE BISQUICK)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice blend
- 1/2 cup raisins optional, for added texture
FROSTING
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened, or margarine
- 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice liquid Creamer or regular milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon additional pumpkin pie spice
- 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 15 ½ x 10 ½ x 1 inch jelly roll pan (or a similar-sized baking sheet with sides) and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and beaten eggs for about one minute until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the Bisquick baking mix, pumpkin pie spice, and optional raisins until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Evenly spread the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost them.
-
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, softened butter (or margarine), pumpkin spice liquid creamer (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting reaches your desired creamy consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled pumpkin bars.
-
For best results, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing them into squares. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and moisture.
Notes
Nutrition
—