If you’re planning a get-together this season and want to dazzle your guests with something both festive and utterly delicious, look no further than this Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe. These pumpkin bars strike the perfect balance between moist, spiced cake and creamy, dreamy frosting that’s just begging to be shared. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a party full of friends, this recipe generously yields 48 bars, making sure everyone gets a slice of autumn happiness. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for any crowd!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe is carefully chosen to build rich flavors, perfect texture, and that warm golden color that spells fall in every bite. This list is simple but packs a powerful punch.
- Pumpkin purée (2 cans, 15 oz each): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and classic pumpkin flavor.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation that holds your bars together with just the right crumb.
- White sugar (3 cups): Sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
- Butter, softened (2 cups): Brings richness and tender texture to the bars.
- Large eggs (8): Essential for structure and moisture, making these bars cakey yet soft.
- Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps the bars rise for a light, fluffy bite.
- Baking powder (4 tsp): Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift.
- Ground cinnamon (4 tsp): Adds warm spice and that inviting fall aroma.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp): The magical blend that brings authentic pumpkin pie vibes.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (10 cups): The key to a silky smooth frosting with a delicate sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 oz): Creates a tangy, luscious frosting texture that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Elevates the flavor with a warm and inviting note.
- Ground cinnamon, sprinkles & mini pumpkin candies: Perfect finishing touches for that extra festive flair.
How to Make Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large sheet pan or use two 9×13 inch pans if that’s easier for you. This ensures your pumpkin bars come out perfectly without sticking and with beautiful edges for easy serving.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, making sure to blend thoroughly after each addition to get that smooth texture. Stir in the pumpkin purée, which will make your batter richly moist and full of fall flavor. In another bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt — then gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, which will make frosting much easier and prevent it from melting right off.
Step 4: Prepare the Dreamy Frosting
While the bars are cooling, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the confectioners’ sugar. Keep beating until the frosting is fluffy and silky — this is what makes these bars so addictive and crowd-pleasing!
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting generously over your cooled pumpkin bars using a butter knife or an offset spatula. Don’t be shy here — this frosting deserves to shine! Sprinkle a dusting of ground cinnamon over the top, and get creative by adding fall-colored sprinkles or mini pumpkin candies for that festive touch. Your crowd will love the inviting look before they even take the first bite.
How to Serve Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon instantly elevates the bars with a little extra warmth and aroma. Fall-colored sprinkles and mini pumpkin candies add a playful crunch and festive cheer that make these bars as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Side Dishes
Pair these pumpkin bars with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a classic pumpkin spice latte to boost the autumn vibe. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside adds indulgent creaminess and rounds out the flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into uniform squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy autumn display. You can also stack them in tiers for a mini-dessert tower that’s perfect for parties. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover your pumpkin bars tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and ensure the creamy frosting stays perfectly firm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, bake the bars and freeze them unfrosted in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then frost and decorate. You can also freeze fully frosted bars, but be sure to wrap them well to protect the frosting. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
These bars are delightful served slightly chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer them warm, gently microwave a single bar for 10-15 seconds to avoid melting the frosting. Enjoy the cozy spices with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Yes, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth first. Canned pumpkin purée offers consistent moisture and flavor, which is why it’s preferred for this recipe to achieve the perfect texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?
You can try a simple vanilla buttercream or even a maple glaze for a different twist, but the cream cheese frosting adds that signature tang that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or simply increase the cinnamon slightly for an easy fix.
Are these bars gluten-free if I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, if you swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, these pumpkin bars can be made gluten-free while preserving taste and texture.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your spices and sprinkles for any cross-contamination risks if serving guests with allergies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about pulling out a pan of these Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe at your next gathering. From the inviting scent of warm spices filling the kitchen to the first bite of creamy, sweet frosting atop soft pumpkin cake, these bars are made for sharing—and making memories. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how effortlessly it wins over every crowd you serve!
Print
Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 48 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Pumpkin Bars are a delicious fall treat perfect for serving a crowd. Moist and flavorful pumpkin cake is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and decorated with festive fall-themed sprinkles and mini pumpkin candies, making them a seasonal favorite for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars
- 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin purée
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups white sugar
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp salt
For the Frosting
- 10 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Ground cinnamon
- Fall-colored sprinkles
- Mini pumpkin candies
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large sheet pan or two 9×13 inch pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the pumpkin purée thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, pure vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a light dusting of ground cinnamon, fall-colored sprinkles, and mini pumpkin candies to add festive decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best flavor and texture.
- For easier cutting and serving, chill the bars after frosting for about 30 minutes.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
