Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are moist, spiced, and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Pumpkin Bars cut into squares and served on a white platter.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars are a beloved fall dessert that combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a soft, tender texture. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for slicing and sharing at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

They’re an easy way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of pumpkin in a convenient, handheld treat. Our family loves Canned Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, and this is one of our favorite pumpkin desserts.

It’s an easy oven baked dessert with a rich pumpkin mixture that everyone will enjoy. If you love pumpkin pie spice flavor, also try Easy Pumpkin Delight Recipe and Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

Paula Deen fans might also like to make Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Paula Deen Pecan Pie.

What's in this post: Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
Variations
Step By Step Instructions
Storage
Expert Tips
Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly moist. The pumpkin and warm spices create a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy to make. No need for pie crust or complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and frost.
Crowd-pleasing flavor. Cream cheese frosting adds sweetness and richness, balancing the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Great for any occasion. Ideal for fall holidays, potlucks, or a simple family dessert.
Portable and convenient. Bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Bars

All-purpose flour. Provides structure; do not substitute with self-rising flour.
Ground cinnamon. Adds warm, cozy flavor; adjust to taste if you like more spice.
Baking soda. Helps the bars rise; if unavailable, use one of the Best Baking Soda Substitutes
Granulated sugar. Sweetens the bars without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Vegetable oil. Keeps the bars moist and tender.
Pure pumpkin. Use 100% pumpkin puree, not spiced pumpkin pie filling.
Eggs. Large eggs, for binding and structure in the batter.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese. Softened to room temperature for smooth, creamy texture.
Butter. Use real butter for rich flavor and a silky consistency.
Powdered sugar. Sifted to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth frosting.
Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.

Variations

Nutty Bars. Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
Spice it Up. Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for extra warmth.
Chocolate Swirl. Add a swirl of melted chocolate or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Gluten-Free. Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
Maple Frosting. Replace some vanilla extract in the cream cheese frosting with pure maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then grease a 9X13 baking pan or line the pan with parchment paper. Make sure it has enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and salt.

Mixing bowl with pumpkin mixture combined.

Step 3. Use a separate bowl and whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil and pumpkin.

Step 4. Then add in the eggs. Whisk until combined.

Wet and dry ingredients combined together in a bowl.

Step 5. Next, mix together the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined but don’t overmix the batter.

Step 6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Then bake for 30-32 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean.

Step 7. Then take the bars from the oven. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Cream cheese and butter beat until fluffy.

Step 8. While the bars cool, make the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. I suggest using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Cream cheese mixture combined together with vanilla to make the frosting.

Step 9. Once combined, add in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix on a low speed until combined and smooth.

Frosting spread on pumpkin bars and cut.

Step 10. Finally, carefully spread the frosting on the cooled pumpkin bars. Then cut into bars.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars cut into squares.

Step 11. Serve and enjoy!

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the frosting covered to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bars may firm up slightly, but flavor and texture remain excellent.

Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Tip: For best texture, allow refrigerated or thawed bars to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense rather than soft and tender.
Use room temperature ingredients. Butter, cream cheese, and eggs should be at room temperature for smooth mixing and an even texture.
Cool completely before frosting. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before spreading frosting to prevent it from sliding or melting.
Check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they’re done. Adjust baking time if needed, as ovens may vary.
Decorate creatively. Pipe frosting in swirls or stars for a professional touch instead of just spreading it.
Optional topping. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds visual appeal and a subtle spice flavor.
Chill for easier slicing. Refrigerate the frosted bars for 15–20 minutes before cutting to get cleaner edges.
Customize flavor. Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra texture and flavor.