Irresistibly Moist Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and warm spices baking in the oven. Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars capture the essence of autumn in every single bite. These bars are celebrated for their incredibly moist texture, perfectly balanced spice, and, of course, a generous topping of luscious, sweet cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re planning for a grand holiday feast, a cozy fall gathering, or simply craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is a must-try for any pumpkin enthusiast.

These Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a beloved tradition for many families. They effortlessly combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin and a medley of warm spices with a soft, tender, cake-like texture that truly melts in your mouth. The signature rich and tangy cream cheese frosting provides the perfect counterpoint to the spiced pumpkin, elevating these bars from simple treats to an unforgettable indulgence. They are incredibly convenient for slicing and sharing, making them ideal for holiday potlucks, family dinners, or even as a special treat with your morning coffee. Our family adores Canned Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, and this recipe consistently ranks among our top favorites. It’s an easy oven-baked dessert with a rich pumpkin mixture that appeals to everyone. If you’re a fan of classic pumpkin pie spice flavor, you’ll also love our Easy Pumpkin Delight Recipe and the ever-popular Pumpkin Bread Recipe. For those who appreciate Paula Deen’s iconic Southern comfort recipes, you might also enjoy making her famous Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and her delectable Pecan Pie.

Why This Paula Deen Pumpkin Bar Recipe Works So Well

There are countless pumpkin bar recipes out there, but Paula Deen’s version stands out for several key reasons:

• Perfectly moist texture. The generous amount of pumpkin puree and vegetable oil ensures that these bars are incredibly moist, tender, and never dry. The combination of ingredients creates a soft crumb that literally melts in your mouth, making each bite a delightful experience of fall flavors.
• Effortlessly easy to make. Forget complicated pie crusts or intricate baking techniques. This recipe is designed for simplicity. You just need to mix the wet and dry ingredients, combine them, pour into a pan, bake, and then top with the frosting. It’s a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master, yielding impressive results every time.
• Unbeatable crowd-pleasing flavor. The warm, inviting spices like cinnamon perfectly complement the sweet earthiness of the pumpkin. But what truly sets these bars apart is the rich, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting. It balances the spice of the pumpkin beautifully, adding an irresistible layer of creamy indulgence that everyone adores.
• Versatile for any occasion. These pumpkin bars are incredibly versatile. They are a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables, a welcome addition to fall potlucks, school events, or even just a simple, comforting treat to enjoy with your family on a crisp autumn evening. Their appealing presentation and comforting flavor make them a hit wherever they go.
• Convenient and portable. Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, these bars are perfectly portioned and easy to transport. They hold their shape well, making them ideal for packing up and taking to gatherings or enjoying on the go. Simply slice, serve, and savor!

Essential Ingredients for Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Crafting the perfect pumpkin bar begins with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples, ensuring that you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Pay attention to the details to ensure your bars are as moist and flavorful as possible.

For the Moist Pumpkin Bars:

• All-purpose flour. This provides the fundamental structure for your bars. It’s crucial not to substitute it with self-rising flour, as the leavening agents in the recipe are carefully measured.
• Ground cinnamon. The star spice of fall baking! It infuses the bars with that quintessential warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference for more or less spice.
• Baking soda. This essential leavening agent helps the bars rise and achieve their light, tender texture. If you find yourself out, check out these Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Granulated sugar. Sweetens the bars to perfection without overpowering the natural deliciousness of the pumpkin and spices.
• Vegetable oil. A key ingredient for moisture. Vegetable oil keeps these bars incredibly moist and tender, contributing to their delightful texture.
• Pure pumpkin puree. This is the heart of the pumpkin bars! Always ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not spiced pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would alter the recipe’s balance.
• Large eggs. Act as a binder for the ingredients, providing structure and richness to the batter, resulting in a cohesive and tender bar.
• Baking powder. Works in conjunction with baking soda to give the bars a perfect lift.
• Salt. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the pumpkin and spices.

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese. Softened to room temperature is key! This ensures a smooth, lump-free, and wonderfully creamy frosting texture that spreads beautifully.
• Butter. Use real, unsalted butter, also softened to room temperature. It contributes to the rich flavor and provides that silky, spreadable consistency characteristic of a perfect cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered sugar. Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it sweetens the frosting and creates its smooth texture. Sifting it before use is highly recommended to prevent any lumps and achieve a truly velvety finish.
• Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements both the cream cheese and the pumpkin, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Find the complete, detailed list of ingredients with exact measurements at the bottom of the page in the recipe card section.

Creative Variations for Your Pumpkin Bars

While the classic Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or occasion. Get creative with these delicious variations:

• Nutty Bars. For an added layer of texture and rich flavor, fold in about ½ to ¾ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter just before baking. The nuts toast slightly in the oven, adding a delightful crunch.
• Spice it Up! If you crave more pronounced autumn flavors, consider increasing the amount of ground cinnamon by ½ teaspoon or adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra boost of warmth and complexity. A full pumpkin pie spice blend can also be used.
• Chocolate Swirl. Who can resist chocolate and pumpkin? Melt about ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle it over the batter in the pan, then swirl gently with a knife before baking for a marbled effect and a decadent twist. Alternatively, simply fold 1 cup of chocolate chips directly into the batter.
• Make them Gluten-Free. Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for best results, or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t.
• Maple Frosting. For a truly fall-inspired twist, replace half of the vanilla extract in the cream cheese frosting with 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. This adds a subtle, warm sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin.
• Orange Zest Boost. Grate the zest of one small orange into the pumpkin bar batter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices beautifully.
• Coconut Delight. Fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut into the batter, or sprinkle it on top of the frosting for an exotic touch and added texture.

Easy Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of moist and delicious Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll have a fall-favorite dessert ready in no time!

• Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by thoroughly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper extends over the sides of the pan; this “overhang” will act as handles, allowing you to easily lift the entire baked and cooled batch of bars out of the pan for easier frosting and slicing.

Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures they are evenly distributed, which is essential for uniform rising and flavor. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pure pumpkin puree until they are well-incorporated and smooth. This forms the flavorful base of your pumpkin bars.

Step 4. Crack the large eggs into the wet mixture. Continue to whisk until the eggs are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Ensure there are no streaks of egg visible.

Step 5. Now, gently pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, stir until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to dense, tough bars instead of light and tender ones.

Step 6. Carefully spread the pumpkin bar batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure it reaches all corners. Bake for approximately 30-32 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.

Step 7. Once baked, remove the pumpkin bars from the oven. It is absolutely essential to allow them to cool completely at room temperature before applying the frosting. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melted, runny mess.

Step 8. While the pumpkin bars are cooling, prepare your decadent cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. For best results, we highly recommend using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer.

Step 9. Once the cream cheese and butter are thoroughly combined and fluffy, add in the vanilla extract and the sifted powdered sugar. Start mixing on a low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then gradually increase the speed until all ingredients are combined and the frosting is perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 10. Finally, with the bars completely cooled, carefully and evenly spread the rich cream cheese frosting over the top. Once frosted, cut the large slab into individual bars using a sharp knife for clean edges. You can make them as large or small as you prefer.

Step 11. Now your delightful Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are ready! Serve them immediately and enjoy the comforting, spiced flavors of fall with every bite. These are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Bars

Proper storage ensures your Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them effectively:

• Room Temperature: If your kitchen is cool (below 70°F or 21°C) and the bars are frosted, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The frosting contains dairy, so for longer storage, refrigeration is best. Always keep the container sealed to prevent the bars from drying out.
• Refrigerator: For optimal freshness and to preserve the cream cheese frosting, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars might firm up slightly when chilled, but their delightful flavor and texture will remain excellent.
• Freezer: These pumpkin bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Serving Tip: For the best texture and most tender crumb, allow refrigerated or thawed bars to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving. This brings them back to an ideal temperature for enjoyment.

Expert Tips for Perfect Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin bars is easy with a few insider tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind for consistently perfect results:

• Do Not Overmix the Batter. This is perhaps the most crucial tip for moist, tender bars. Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet, stir them together only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough texture instead of a soft and tender one.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients. Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows them to combine more smoothly and evenly, creating a uniform batter and a perfectly textured frosting. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy batter or frosting.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting. Patience is a virtue here! It is absolutely essential to allow the pumpkin bars to cool down to room temperature before you even think about spreading the frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt, slide off, and create a messy, unappetizing dessert.
• Check for Doneness Accurately. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Always insert a clean toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they are done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test.
• Decorate Creatively. While a simple spread of frosting is delicious, consider piping the frosting in elegant swirls or stars using a pastry bag and tip for a more professional and visually appealing touch.
• Optional Topping Enhancements. After frosting, consider a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added visual appeal and a subtle aromatic spice flavor. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a delicate drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence.
• Chill for Easier Slicing. For perfectly clean and sharp edges, refrigerate the frosted pumpkin bars for 15–20 minutes before you cut them into squares. This allows the frosting to set slightly, making slicing much neater.
• Customize Flavor Profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add chopped nuts for crunch, chocolate chips for sweetness, or a hint of orange zest to brighten the flavors. These small additions can dramatically change the dessert experience.

Go ahead and make this absolutely yummy Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars recipe today. Its perfect blend of moisture, spice, and creamy frosting makes it an ideal treat to enjoy any day of the week, especially when you’re looking for that comforting taste of fall. We are confident it will become a cherished recipe in your household. Please leave a comment and a star rating once you give it a try. I truly love getting your feedback on recipes and hearing how they turned out for you!