Name: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-497173H12M2S
Total time: PT-497173H12M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup ground flaxseed; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup almond flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegan chocolate chips for sprinkling; Vegan cream cheese (quantity approx. 8 oz or 225g); Vegan butter (approx. 4 tablespoons or 56g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (about 1-1½ cups, adjusted to taste)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 68 reviews

There is something truly magical about the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that instantly brings the warm, cozy essence of fall into your kitchen. These bars are incredibly moist, bursting with pumpkin spice flavor, and topped with a luscious creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweet and tangy. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a festive treat to share with friends, these pumpkin bars deliver on every level, making them an absolute favorite for the season.

A close-up view of a square metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan is a thick layer of evenly spread, smooth, light brown dough with a soft texture. A woman's hand is holding the edge of the pan steady while another woman's hand uses a white spatula with a wooden handle to smooth the dough in broad, even strokes across the surface. The edges of the dough touch the sides of the pan, showing a neatly filled layer ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to bringing out the rich flavors and perfect texture in this pumpkin bars recipe. Each element plays its role, from the warmth of pumpkin pie spice to the creaminess of the frosting, creating a beautifully balanced, moist treat.

Ground flaxseed: Acts as a binder when mixed with water, adding moisture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Warm water: Used to activate the flaxseed for a perfect vegan egg substitute.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars, ensuring they hold together well.
Almond flour: Adds nuttiness and a soft texture that complements the pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie spice: The quintessential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives these bars their iconic taste.
Baking powder: Helps give the bars a light and tender crumb.
Baking soda: A little lift and rise for a perfect bake.
Sea salt: Enhances all the warm spices and balances the sweetness.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, bringing moistness, richness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Melted coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and keeps the bars moist without overpowering the pumpkin.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that delivers gentle sweetness and depth.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Vegan chocolate chips (optional): A fun sprinkle on top for a little extra indulgence.
Vegan cream cheese frosting: For that unmistakably creamy, dreamy topping that ties everything together.

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Flaxseed Mixture

Start by combining ¼ cup of ground flaxseed with ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set this aside for about five minutes to thicken and turn into a gel-like binder that replaces eggs perfectly, providing moisture and a subtle nutty taste that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup almond flour, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. This blend is the foundation for the texture and spice profile that make these bars shine with fall flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the thickened flaxseed mixture. Whisk until everything is smoothly integrated, creating a rich, flavorful base that promises moist, tender bars.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until combined. The batter will be thick and sturdy—this is exactly what you want for the perfect bar texture. Spread it evenly into a lightly greased 8x8-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top for an even bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, never wet batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Make the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until perfectly combined and irresistibly smooth. This frosting is what transforms simple pumpkin bars into a dreamy dessert experience.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over the bars. For a final touch, sprinkle vegan chocolate chips on top if you like a little chocolatey surprise. Cut into squares and get ready to indulge in every moist, flavorful bite!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A square piece of cake with one layer of light brown sponge at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of smooth white frosting that is spread unevenly, and scattered with small dark chocolate chips on top. The cake is placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Around the cake are two metal forks, a large knife with a wooden handle, a small white bowl with more chocolate chips, and a white plate with a black rim holding two forks. A striped cloth is also partially visible in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds a lovely crunch and extra warmth to these pumpkin bars. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or a handful of vegan chocolate chips can also elevate the presentation and flavor for a crowd-pleasing touch.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee, complementing the warm spices and creamy frosting. For a brunch or party, serve alongside fresh fruit or dairy-free whipped cream to lighten the indulgence and offer a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy autumn gathering. Alternatively, layer them in clear glass jars with dollops of frosting and crushed gingersnaps for a charming, portable treat. You can also sandwich frosting between two bars for a hand-held pumpkin bar “cookie” that kids and adults alike will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pumpkin bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and prevents the bars from drying out, allowing you to savor their moist texture for up to five days.

Freezing

If you want to save these bars for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in an airtight container in the freezer. When wrapped well, they can stay fresh for up to three months without losing any of their signature moistness or flavor.

Reheating

To warm up frozen or refrigerated bars, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short 15-second bursts until just warmed through—be careful not to overheat or the frosting might melt away. Alternatively, let them come to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these pumpkin bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice, keeping the almond flour as is. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Is there a way to make these bars nut-free?

Yes, simply swap out the almond flour for extra all-purpose flour or oat flour. The bars will still be deliciously moist and full of pumpkin spice flavor, though the slight nuttiness from almond flour will be missing.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can be used, but it requires cooking and pureeing first to get the same smooth texture. Roasting or steaming chunks of pumpkin until soft, then blending into a puree works perfectly as a substitute.

How do I make the vegan cream cheese frosting at home?

You can find vegan cream cheese and vegan butter at most grocery stores or specialty shops. Beat them together with powdered sugar and vanilla for a luscious frosting that tastes just like the classic version.

Can these pumpkin bars be made into muffins?

They sure can! Simply spoon the batter into a lined or greased muffin tin and bake around 18–20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Muffins make a portable and slightly lighter alternative while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dive into the ultimate fall comfort treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to seasonal dessert for many autumns to come!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need