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    Home » Dessert » Pumpkin » Pumpkin Bars

    Pumpkin Bars

    Published: Oct 31, 2019 · Modified: Apr 14, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    This Pumpkin Bars recipe is the ultimate autumn dessert for sharing. It is easy to make and tastes even BETTER than pumpkin pie!

    pumpkin bar on a white plate

    There is a local gift shop that has a cafe with some of the best desserts and one of them is pumpkin bars. After enjoying them at the cafe for several years, I decided to make my own recipe so that I can have them whenever I want.

    These pumpkin bars feature a graham cracker crust and a substantial layer of homemade whipped cream for frosting! Everyone will be asking you for the recipe.

    Where is the pumpkin bars recipe? In this post, I will share step-by-step photos for how to make the recipe, as well as answer FAQs about the recipe and share a short video showing the recipe in motion. But you can go directly to the recipe by scrolling down to the bottom of the post.

    graham cracker crust ingredients in a bowl

    What’s the easiest way to make graham cracker crumbs?

    The easiest way is to buy ready-made graham cracker crumbs! But other than that, use whatever you have available. I usually make the crumbs in my food processor. Another easy way is to crush the graham crackers in a gallon-sized ziptop bag with a rolling pin.

    graham cracker crust

    How many graham crackers do I need to make a crust?

    This recipe calls for 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs for a 9×13 inch pan. One sleeve of graham crackers typically has 9 full sheets of crackers in it and makes about 1 1/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs. So you’ll need about 15 graham cracker sheets to make 2 cups of crumbs.

    two blocks of cream cheese in a bowl

    Why beat the cream cheese separately?

    This recipe starts out with two blocks of softened cream cheese that need to be beaten until smooth and creamy. Beating the cream cheese separately allows other ingredients, especially liquids, to combine smoothly with the cream cheese.

    When you try to combine cream cheese and a liquid ingredient without beating the cream cheese first, the cream cheese will form little clumps that are almost impossible to beat out.

    beat eggs and sugar in bowl

    To make it easier for the eggs to incorporate, beat them slightly before adding them to the bowl.

    pumpkin puree added to batter

    What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

    Both pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling have pumpkin in them but they are not interchangeable. Pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin contains 100% pumpkin and can be used in countless recipes including this pumpkin bars recipe.

    On the other hand, pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin pie mix has additional ingredients including water, sugar, and spices. It is specifically made to make pumpkin pies.

    spices added to batter

    How can I make gluten-free pumpkin bars?

    The main things that contain gluten in this recipe are the graham crackers in the crust and the flour used in the batter. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and gluten-free flour. In addition, be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

    spreading batter in pan

    Can I make these pumpkin bars in other size pans?

    Yes, you could make them in other pans but you’ll have to adjust the baking time depending on the size of the pan. To make mini-sized bars in a muffin pan as I did in this recipe, it will only take 20-25 minutes to bake them.

    Another option is to use small baking molds as I did in this recipe to make individual servings in disposable wrappers. The baking time would be similar to the muffin pan, possible a little longer.

    If you use two 9-inch square pans, the crust and the pumpkin layer will be thinner. Using two 8-inch square pans is closer in size to one 9×13 inch pan.

    whipped cream on pumpkin bars

    What frosting should I put on my pumpkin bars?

    I love these pumpkin bars with homemade whipped cream! You can find my whipped cream recipe here. In addition to the whipped cream, I sprinkled ground cinnamon over the top for added flavor and color.

    Other great options would be cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, whipped topping (aka cool whip), or you could even enjoy them without frosting.

    pumpkin bars in pan

    Can I make these bars ahead of time?

    Yes, these pumpkin bars can be made ahead of time and are perfect for bringing to holiday dinners, parties, and potlucks. Bake the bars, allow them to cool, frost the bars and then cover and store them in the fridge.

    pumpkin bar slice with whipped cream on top

    Can I freeze pumpkin bars?

    Yes, pumpkin bars will hold up in the freezer. First place the bars in the freezer uncovered to allow the whipped cream to harden. Then, wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.

    pan of pumpkin pan

    How can I make these healthier?

    To make these pumpkin bars a bit healthier, try using low fat graham crackers, a sugar alternative, and a butter alternative in the crust. For the pumpkin layer, use Neufchatel low-fat cream cheese and a sugar alternative. And for the frosting, you can use light cool whip.

    pumpkin bars slice

    Want more pumpkin recipes? Try these next:

    This Pumpkins Cake recipe is so easy to make with a cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice! Top with cream cheese frosting for the ultimate treat.

    Maple Glazed Pumpkin Coffee Cake with a walnut streusel topping is the MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH amazing! Enjoy a warm slice of pumpkin coffee cake with a cup of coffee.

    Try this Caramel Pumpkin Cake Roll from Crazy For Crust that is filled with caramel ganache and cream cheese whipped cream!

    With this Pumpkin Mug Cake recipe, you are only 60 seconds away from a warm, delicious cake for one.

    Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake is like pumpkin pie without the crust. It has a custard layer topped with cake. Try it for Thanksgiving dinner!

    pumpkin bar on a white plate

    Pumpkin Bars

    This Pumpkin Bars recipe is the ultimate autumn dessert for sharing. It is easy to make and tastes even BETTER than pumpkin pie!
    4.25 from 12 votes
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
    Print Review SaveSaved! Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24
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    Equipment

    Cuisinart Hand Mixer
    USA Pan Cake Pan
    Libby's Pure Pumpkin
    Honey Graham Crackers,

    Ingredients

    Graham Cracker Crust:

    • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 6 tablespoon butter melted

    Pumpkin Layer:

    • 16 oz cream cheese softened, (two 8 oz packages)
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 4 eggs lightly beaten
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • ¼ cup flour
    • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

    Topping:

    • 4 cups whipped cream
    • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    Graham Cracker Crust:

    • Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
    • Press into a 9x13 inch pan and set aside.

    Pumpkin Layer:

    • Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
    • Beat in the sugar.
    • Scrape the bowl. Add the eggs and mix well.
    • Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla.
    • Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and ginger. Mix well.
    • Pour the pumpkin mixture onto the graham cracker crust.
    • Bake at 375˚F for 33-38 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven, place on a cooling rack to allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

    Topping:

    • Top with whipped cream (find my recipe here) and sprinkle with cinnamon
    • Store in the fridge.

    Video

    Notes

    Storage:

    Can I make these bars ahead of time?

    Yes, these pumpkin bars can be made ahead of time and are perfect for bringing to holiday dinners, parties, and potlucks. Bake the bars, allow them to cool, frost the bars and then cover and store them in the fridge.

    Can I freeze pumpkin bars?

    Yes, pumpkin bars will hold up in the freezer. First place the bars in the freezer uncovered to allow the whipped cream to harden. Then, wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 24Servings | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 2039IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

     

    More Pumpkin

    • pumpkin oreo balls with pretzel stems and green leaves.
      Pumpkin Oreo Balls
    • pumpkin chocolate chips cookies cooling on a wire rack
      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
    • pumpkin cheesecake slice close up
      Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • inside of a pumpkin cookie with cream cheese frosting
      Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Whipped Cream Recipe
    How To Toast Pecans »

    Comments

    1. Natalie Duimstra says

      December 26, 2020 at 12:50 am

      I just made this recipe tonight. I let them cool to room Temperature after cooking and when I cut slices the pumpkin was kind of runny I’m curious if you have any thoughts of why it didn’t set? Maybe it will be better tomorrow after it cools in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        December 26, 2020 at 3:28 pm

        I don’t think mine was runny. Maybe it needed to bake longer? Hopefully it will set up more in the fridge.

        Reply
    2. Trish says

      December 30, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      Best pumpkin dessert out there!! Have had several times and can’t wait to have it again)

      Reply
    3. Trish says

      December 30, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      Best pumpkin dessert out there!! Have had several times and can’t wait to have it again)

      Reply
    4. Toia says

      November 4, 2019 at 8:17 am

      Mmm! These look delicious! I’m gonna have to try this for my family. I just wish I could spread the calories consumed at the holidays out the whole year!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        November 4, 2019 at 2:03 pm

        I totally agree! There’s just so much good food during the holidays!

        Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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