Colonial Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the timeless flavors of fall with these Colonial Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—an irresistible blend of warm spices and rich, creamy decadence. Featuring aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these moist pumpkin bars are made with pure pumpkin puree for an authentic seasonal taste, inspired by colonial-era ingredients. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite is perfectly balanced between sweetness and spice. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a few pantry staples, this recipe is the ultimate autumn dessert for gatherings or everyday treats. Serve these delightful pumpkin bars chilled or at room temperature, and watch them disappear in no time! Perfect for fall desserts, pumpkin recipes, or cream cheese frosting lovers, these easy-to-make bars will quickly become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 32/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1.25 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated.

Step 5

Stir in the pumpkin puree until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 7

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 10

While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 12

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Step 13

Cut into 16 squares and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6029.1

Total Fat 285.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 173.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1143.5mg	0%
Sodium 5057.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 837.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 616.8g
Protein 57.7g	0%

Vitamin D 158.1IU	0%
Calcium 597.6mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 1881.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.8%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 54.5%