Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars Recipe: Quick and Easy!

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s that unmistakable hint of magic in the air. What does that mean? It means it’s pumpkin spice season, darling! And what better way to embrace the cozy vibes than with a batch of heavenly Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars? Forget everything you thought you knew about fall desserts – these bars are here to steal the show and your heart. They’re soft, they’re spicy, they’re slathered in the most irresistible cream cheese frosting, and they practically scream “snuggle up!” Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful aromas and your belly with pure autumn bliss. This isn’t just baking; it’s an experience!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

Prepare to fall head over heels for these delightful bars. Here are four fantastic reasons why they’ll become your new autumn obsession:

• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Don’t let their gourmet taste fool you! These bars come together in a flash, with only 20 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Irresistibly Spiced & Moist: Packed with all your favorite fall spices and the natural goodness of pumpkin, these bars boast a perfectly balanced flavor and an incredibly tender, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Feeds a Happy Crowd: With 18 generous servings, these Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars are the ultimate party dessert, potluck contribution, or simply a fantastic way to ensure you have delicious treats on hand all week long.
• The Best Cream Cheese Frosting: Let’s be honest, the frosting is half the fun! Our decadent, fluffy cream cheese frosting is the perfect sweet and tangy counterpoint to the warm pumpkin spice, creating a harmony of flavors that’s truly addictive.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars Ingredients

Gather your magic makers! Here’s what you’ll need to create these spectacular Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars:

For the Pumpkin Cake Bars:

• 🥚 4 large eggs
• 🌻 1 cup vegetable oil
• 🍚 2 cups granulated sugar
• 🎃 15 oz. can pumpkin puree (make sure it’s puree, not pie filling!)
• 🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ✨ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 🧂 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 🍂 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 🫚 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 🌰 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 🌰 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🧀 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 🌬️ 4 cups powdered sugar
• 🍦 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 🥛 1/3 cup milk

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to bring your irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars to life:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 12″x18″ half sheet pan, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious bars. This step is key for easy removal!
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree. Stir until these wholesome wet ingredients are wonderfully blended into a smooth, orange-hued mixture.
3. Next, it’s time for the spice magic! Gradually add all the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg – to the pumpkin mixture. Mix carefully until everything is just combined into a smooth, uniform batter. Remember, avoid overmixing to keep your cake bars incredibly tender!
4. Pour the beautifully spiced batter evenly into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it gently with a spatula to reach all corners.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out perfectly clean, indicating it’s done. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the creamy, dreamy frosting. Patience is a virtue here; a warm cake will melt your frosting!
6. While the cake cools, prepare your decadent frosting. In another spacious bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they are wonderfully smooth, light, and airy.
7. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth – a cloud of sweet perfection!
8. Once your pumpkin cake is thoroughly cooled (and we mean *completely* cooled!), spread the irresistible cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into generous bars and get ready to enjoy this delightful, homemade treat!

Ways to Present and Serve Your Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

These Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars are already a showstopper, but with a few creative touches, you can elevate them even further! Here are some delightful ways to present and serve them:

• Classic & Simple: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top of the frosting adds a lovely touch without overpowering the flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or candied almonds over the frosting for added texture and a complementary nutty flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the frosted bars before serving adds an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Mini chocolate chips or a delicate drizzle of melted dark chocolate can be a surprising and delicious addition to the pumpkin and spice notes.
• Festive Flair: For a holiday gathering, add some cute candy corn or small edible autumn leaves on top of each bar.

Serve these bars with a steaming mug of coffee, a warm cup of apple cider, or a tall glass of milk for the ultimate cozy experience. They’re perfect for dessert after dinner, a delightful afternoon treat, or even a special breakfast indulgence. Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise or bring them to any fall gathering – they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

How to Store Your Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars and How Long They Last

To keep your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key, especially with that luscious cream cheese frosting!

• Refrigeration is a Must: Because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the frosting firm and prevent spoilage.
• How Long Do They Last?: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days.
• Bringing to Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, take the bars out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to soften slightly and the frosting to become perfectly creamy.
• Freezing for Later: Yes, you can freeze them! Place unfrosted or frosted bars (if frosted, freeze solid on a baking sheet first, then wrap individually) in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Just make sure they are completely cooled before frosting and storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars FAQs

Got questions about these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars? We’ve got answers!

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
   No! It’s very important to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which will significantly alter the flavor and texture of your cake bars.
2. What if I don’t have all the individual spices?
   No problem! You can substitute the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg with 3-4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend. Adjust to your taste!
3. Can I make these Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These bars are wonderful made a day in advance. In fact, some say the flavors deepen and become even better after a day in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
   The best way is the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, your cake is done.
5. My cream cheese frosting is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
   If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk (or cream), a teaspoon at a time, until it’s perfectly spreadable.
6. Can I halve or double this recipe?
   Yes, you can! To halve, use a smaller 9×13 inch pan and adjust baking time accordingly (likely 20-25 minutes). To double, you’ll need two 12×18 inch sheet pans or bake in batches.
7. Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?
   While not tested with this specific recipe, many bakers have success substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly.
8. What kind of vegetable oil is best for these bars?
   Any neutral-flavored vegetable oil like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil works perfectly. These oils add moisture without imparting a strong flavor of their own.
9. Can I skip the frosting?
   You technically can, but the cream cheese frosting is a beloved part of what makes these Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars so special! The tanginess of the frosting perfectly complements the sweet and spicy cake.
10. How many calories are in each bar?
    Based on the provided nutrition, each serving (1 bar) contains approximately 463 kcal.