These pumpkin cake bars are the perfect way to celebrate fall, offering a moist and flavorful cake topped with a creamy, rich layer of cream cheese frosting. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice with the tender texture of pumpkin puree creates a dessert that is both comforting and delicious. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness, while chopped pecans on top provide a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving these bars at a gathering or enjoying them with your family, they’re sure to become a favorite fall treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these pumpkin cake bars because they’re incredibly moist and packed with fall flavors. The pumpkin puree makes the cake tender, while the mix of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice gives it a cozy warmth. The cream cheese frosting is smooth, creamy, and adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spiced cake. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is an impressive dessert that can be served for any occasion. The addition of pecans on top gives these cake bars a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and frosting.
The Perfect Occasion
These pumpkin cake bars are perfect for fall gatherings like Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or any time you want to bring a seasonal dessert to a potluck. They’re easy to make ahead and transport, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Their rich flavors and creamy frosting make them a wonderful dessert for any fall celebration, but they’re also simple enough to enjoy as a snack or treat with coffee or tea. Whether you’re hosting a holiday event or just looking for a cozy fall dessert, these pumpkin cake bars are sure to please.
Decoration Tips
To make these pumpkin cake bars even more special, consider adding a few decorative touches. For a classic finish, top the bars with chopped pecans, which not only add texture but also complement the fall flavors. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting for extra sweetness and visual appeal. You could also dust the top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for added warmth. Serve the bars on a festive platter or cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients for the Pumpkin Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (106g) packed light brown sugar
- 15oz (425g) canned pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions for the Pumpkin Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Stir until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Instructions for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and mix until fully combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy these moist and spiced pumpkin cake bars with their rich, creamy frosting—perfect for fall!
Enjoy!