These Paul’s Pumpkin Bars combine spiced pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting for a fall-inspired dessert. The recipe creates moist bars by beating pumpkin puree with oil and eggs, then mixing with spiced flour before baking in a jelly roll pan. The technique involves standard cake mixing method followed by spreading cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake before cutting into squares.
The result provides portable, shareable dessert with autumn flavors and creamy topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick 45-Minute Timeline – Reasonable preparation and baking time for homemade dessert.
Crowd-Feeding Format – Yields 24 bars, perfect for gatherings and parties.
Fall Flavor Profile – Pumpkin and cinnamon deliver seasonal taste.
Moist Texture – Oil-based cake stays tender and doesn’t dry out quickly.
Easy Assembly – Sheet pan format simpler than layer cakes.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – provides moisture and flavor
- 1 2/3 cups white sugar – sweetens the cake
- 1 cup vegetable oil – creates moist texture
- 4 large eggs – binds ingredients and adds structure
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides foundation
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – adds warming spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – helps cake rise
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – contributes to leavening
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavors
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – adds richness
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened – creates tangy base
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar – sweetens and thickens frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the Cake Batter
Beat pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs with electric mixer in large bowl until well combined. Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Stir dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.
Bake the Cake
Spread batter evenly into ungreased 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
While cake cools, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Add confectioners’ sugar a little at a time, beating until mixture is smooth.
Frost and Cut
Spread frosting evenly on top of cooled cake. Cut into 24 squares.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Complete Cooling Required – Ensure cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Ungreased Pan – Recipe specifies ungreased pan; parchment paper can help with removal.
Sifting Importance – Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps in batter.
Alternative Frosting Method – Some reviewers spread frosting while bars are warm for melted, gooey texture.
Storage Duration – Keep in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Highly rated: 4.8 stars from 1,601 reviews
- Rich dessert high in sugar, calories, and fat
Perfect Pairings
Beverage Options – Coffee or spiced tea complement the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors.
Serving Temperature – Can be served at room temperature or chilled from refrigerator.
Portion Awareness – Small squares provide satisfying dessert without excessive portions.
Seasonal Appeal – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or autumn gatherings.
Ideal Occasions
Fall Gatherings – Seasonal flavors appropriate for autumn celebrations.
Potluck Contributions – Yields enough servings for large groups.
Thanksgiving Dessert – Alternative or addition to traditional pumpkin pie.
Bake Sales – Popular flavor combination appeals to many people.
Storage & Serving Tips
Advance Preparation – Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator.
Freezing Method – Freeze unfrosted cake up to 3 months; frost after thawing.
Proper Storage – Keep in airtight container or wrap in foil/storage wrap.
Thawing Process – If frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
Creative Variations to Try
Spice Modifications – Add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for different warmth.
Mix-In Options – Include chopped walnuts or pecans in batter for crunch.
Frosting Alternatives – Try maple cream cheese frosting or brown butter frosting.
Healthier Swaps – Reduce oil slightly or use whole wheat flour for portion of all-purpose.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dry Cake – Don’t overbake; remove when toothpick comes out clean.
Melted Frosting – Ensure cake is completely cooled before applying frosting.
Uneven Baking – Spread batter evenly in pan and rotate halfway through.
Lumpy Frosting – Beat thoroughly and ensure butter and cream cheese are properly softened.
Why This Recipe Works
These pumpkin bars succeed because the oil-based cake stays moist while canned pumpkin provides consistent flavor and moisture. The jelly roll pan creates thin cake that bakes quickly and evenly. The cream cheese frosting adds tangy richness that balances the sweet, spiced cake.
The recipe’s popularity (4.8 stars from over 1,600 reviews) demonstrates its reliable, crowd-pleasing nature.
Final Thoughts
This recipe creates reliable fall dessert that appeals to wide audiences based on extensive positive reviews. The straightforward technique makes it accessible for home bakers while the seasonal flavors provide appropriate taste for autumn gatherings.
The 24-serving yield makes it practical for feeding groups, while the individual bar format eliminates need for plating and serving utensils. The make-ahead capability and freezer-friendly nature provide convenience for busy schedules around holidays.
While specific nutritional information isn’t provided, pumpkin bars contain significant sugar (from both cake and frosting), oil, and butter, making them rich desserts appropriate for occasional enjoyment. The pumpkin provides some nutritional value (vitamin A and fiber), but these remain treats rather than health foods.
The recipe’s flexibility allows for modifications based on preferences, and the community feedback suggests it’s forgiving and consistently produces good results. The warm spices and cream cheese frosting create comforting flavors that make these popular for fall and winter gatherings.
