There’s something undeniably comforting about settling into the kitchen on a crisp autumn morning, the trees outside swaying as you grab your favorite mug of tea and an apron. I’ll never forget the first time I tasted these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars at my grandma’s house. She pulled a warm, golden tray of spiced squares from the oven, and the room immediately felt cozier. The tender pumpkin-infused crumb, the gentle sweetness from granulated sugar, and the whisper of cinnamon all came together in a nostalgic bite that felt like a warm hug.
If you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook looking for a simple yet show-stopping fall dessert, this recipe is for you. It’s rated Beginner difficulty and falls squarely in the Dessert category. You only need about 20 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of baking, and then a short rest time of one hour to let the bars cool completely. Each serving—assuming you cut 12 generous squares—runs around 200 calories, making it the perfect treat for Thanksgiving tables, coffee dates, or cozy movie nights. With every forkful, you’ll taste that rich pumpkin puree balanced by a touch of baking powder and baking soda for lift, all wrapped up in a layer of dreamy cream cheese frosting.
Mmm, while the bars are baking, your kitchen will fill with the sultry whispers of spice that wrap around you like a cozy scarf on a chilly evening. That hint of ground cinnamon dancing in the air is more than just seasoning—it’s a promise of comfort. If you love extra texture like I do, fold in chopped nuts or plump raisins for delightful surprises. These moist and flavorful bars are exactly what fall dreams are made of. And the icing on the cake—literally—is the cream cheese frosting, where softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract come together in a velvety spread that’s impossible to resist. So grab your spatula, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of little autumn treasures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN BARS
Before you dive into mixing and baking, let’s chat about the ingredients that make these pumpkin bars so special. Each component brings its own personality and function, coming together to create moist, tender squares with just the right hint of spice.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our bars, providing structure and a soft crumb that holds up to the moist pumpkin puree.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise gently, yielding a light texture that isn’t too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic warm spice note we all crave in fall baking, infusing every bite with fragrant flavor.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the natural acidity of pumpkin to give a little lift, ensuring the bars aren’t weighed down.
- Salt: Enhances all sweet and savory flavors, balancing the sugar and spices perfectly.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness, contributing to a tender, cake-like bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps the bars brown beautifully, creating a delightful golden hue.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender—much more foolproof than butter for a soft, lasting texture.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and a vibrant autumn color to each square.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Adds a crunchy contrast to the tender crumb, giving each bar a delightful nutty note.
- Raisins (optional): Introduces a chewy element and natural sweetness that pairs brilliantly with the pumpkin and spice.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base for our frosting, lending tanginess and richness to the finish.
- Butter: Lightens the frosting, ensuring a smooth, spreadable texture that holds its shape.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without adding granular grit, making every bite silky.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with a warm, floral note that ties all the flavors together.
HOW TO MAKE OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN BARS
Getting these bars from batter to golden perfection is easier than you might think. With straightforward steps and basic mixing techniques, you’ll have a batch of moist, spiced bars ready to frost in no time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly so the bars slide out effortlessly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix so your bars stay tender.
5. If you’re using them, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins evenly for pops of crunch and chewiness throughout.
6. Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back to the touch.
8. Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—you’ll need about 1 hour for them to set properly.
9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until perfectly smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is lusciously thick. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, using an offset spatula for a neat, smooth surface.
12. Cut into squares using a sharp knife and serve these delightful pumpkin bars to friends and family.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN BARS
Bringing a batch of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars to the table is more than just sharing a dessert—it’s offering a warm hug of flavor that brings people together. These bars have that hallmark autumn charm, blending sweet pumpkin puree, cozy cinnamon, and a creamy layer of frosting that practically begs to be savored. How you present and pair each square can transform it into a memorable highlight of your gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday brunch, contributing to a holiday potluck, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a good book, thoughtful serving choices add an extra layer of enjoyment. From the platter you select to the drinks you pair alongside, each detail can elevate these bars from a humble homemade treat to a star attraction. I find that simple accents like a dusting of spice, a drizzle of sauce, or a bright berry garnish can turn each bite into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Start by choosing the right backdrop—be it a sleek white serving tray or a vintage cake stand—and consider bundling napkins with twine for a rustic touch. Pair your bars with a comforting drink, and you’ve got a spread that’s both casual and unforgettable.
- Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of cinnamon for a homey, inviting display that complements the autumn theme.
- Pair each slice with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee—the warm flavors in your mug will echo the cinnamon and pumpkin, creating a harmonious taste experience.
- Top each square with a small dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries to add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the tangy frosting.
- Serve alongside a side of maple drizzle or caramel sauce, allowing guests to add an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the moist, spiced base.
HOW TO STORE OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN BARS
Keeping your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars fresh and delicious involves more than just tucking them away—it’s an art that preserves their tender crumb, moist interior, and creamy frosting for as long as possible. Whether you’re saving leftovers for the next day’s coffee break or planning ahead for a festive gathering, knowing the right storage techniques makes all the difference. These bars contain perishable ingredients like cream cheese in the frosting, which calls for a bit of refrigeration to maintain food safety and texture. Yet, you can also use clever tricks to enjoy these treats at room temperature or even freeze them for future indulgence. First, decide how quickly you plan to enjoy them: if you’ll eat them within 24 hours, storing at room temperature can keep the crumb soft and accessible. For anything longer, refrigeration helps the frosting firm up, making for neater slices. If you need a long-term option, freezing individual squares or the entire slab locks in moisture and flavor for weeks. Proper wrapping and containers are essential—protect the bars from air and moisture to prevent drying out or picking up unwanted odors. Below are a few tried-and-true methods to help you choose the best fit for your kitchen and schedule.
- Room Temperature Storage: Place cooled bars in an airtight container or sealable bag and store on the counter for up to 24 hours. This keeps the crumb soft and the frosting slightly yielding.
- Refrigerator Storage: Lay the bars in a single layer in a container, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Store for up to 5 days—refrigeration will firm up the frosting for cleaner slices.
- Freezer Storage: Cut into individual squares, wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Portion-Freezing for Grab-and-Go: Spread the frosted bars on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag or container. This makes it easy to grab single servings whenever you need a pumpkin pick-me-up.
CONCLUSION
What started as a humble, nostalgic treat has become a staple in my fall baking repertoire, and I hope it can find a place in yours as well. We’ve covered everything from the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to the step-by-step process of creating these moist, flavorful Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars. You’ve learned how to whisk together the dry mix, fold in the velvety pumpkin batter, and top it all off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. We’ve also explored creative serving suggestions—from rustic platters and cozy beverage pairings to decorative garnishes—and shared foolproof storage techniques so you can relish these bars days or even weeks later. Feel free to print this article, save it in your recipe binder, or bookmark it for your next cozy baking session. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to help answer any lingering questions about ingredients, substitutions, and troubleshooting, ensuring that every batch you make turns out just right.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes! Did you add nuts or raisins? How did your frosting turn out? Any clever serving or storage hacks you discovered along the way? Please leave your comments, questions, or feedback below—your thoughts help make this community of home cooks brighter and more inspired. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply to treat yourself, these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars are sure to bring a little extra warmth and sweetness into your autumn days. Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bars
Description
These moist and flavorful pumpkin bars topped with creamy frosting are the perfect way to celebrate fall. With hints of cinnamon and optional nuts, they’re a delightful bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy.
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Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
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If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan.
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To make the frosting, mix the cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
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Cut into squares and serve.
Note
- These bars can be refrigerated to keep them fresh for a longer period.
- Adding raisins gives a delightful chewiness to the bars.
- For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top.
- Perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
