Easy Libby’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall’s sweetest comfort arrives with these delectable Libby’s pumpkin bars that promise pure seasonal bliss.

Cozy autumn afternoons feel magical when warm spices drift through your kitchen.

Soft, moist textures mingle with rich cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.

Baking these bars connects you to cherished memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet stunning dessert.

Seasonal baking doesn’t get easier or more delicious than these incredible pumpkin bars.

Whip up a batch and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.

Pumpkin Bar Variations to Try This Season

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create a dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a reduced-sugar powdered sugar for the frosting to cut down on total sugar content.
• Spice Lover's Version: Increase the pumpkin pie spice and add extra ground ginger, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne for a more intense and warming flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Libby’s Pumpkin Bars Creatively

• Autumn Potluck Star: Bring these pumpkin bars to fall gatherings and watch everyone's eyes light up with delight.
• Party Platter Perfect: Cut into smaller squares for elegant dessert trays at holiday events, creating a gorgeous presentation.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair with a warm latte or spiced chai tea for an indulgent afternoon treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a rustic ribbon for a homemade edible gift that spreads sweet autumn cheer.

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars Storage for Long-Lasting Freshness

• Seal pumpkin bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the frosted bars flat to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into portions, separate with parchment paper, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

FAQs

• Why is pumpkin used in this recipe?

Pumpkin adds moisture, natural sweetness, and rich fall flavor to the bars while providing additional nutrients like vitamin A and fiber.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, but drain excess liquid and ensure the fresh pumpkin is very smooth and cooked before using to maintain the right consistency in the recipe.

• How do I know the bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bars are done. They should look slightly golden and feel springy to the touch.

• Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps remove lumps, ensures even distribution of spices, and creates a lighter, more uniform texture in the bars, so it’s recommended but not absolutely mandatory.

Libby’s Pumpkin Bars: Why Everyone Loves These Bars

• Whip Up Seasonal Delight: Pumpkin bars capture the essence of autumn with their warm, comforting spices and rich pumpkin flavor that dance on your taste buds.
• Bake with Ease: Incredibly simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to create a crowd-pleasing dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: A versatile dessert that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or just a sweet weekend afternoon indulgence that everyone will love.
• Quick Prep Magic: Comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal option for busy people craving a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shopping List for Libby’s Pumpkin Bar Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, orange vegetable puree that provides moisture and rich flavor to the bars.
• Butter: A creamy dairy product that adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the bar ingredients together and provide structure.
• White Sugar: A sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness and helps create a soft texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that gives structure to the pumpkin bars.
• Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm spices that enhance the classic fall flavor of the bars.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base ingredients that create a smooth and rich frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: A sweetener that provides the right consistency and sweetness to the frosting.
• Milk: An optional ingredient to adjust the frosting's thickness if needed.

How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 12″x17″ baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the sides a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend the softened butter with white sugar until they become a creamy dream.

Crack in the eggs and mix until everything looks smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice

Slowly fold these dry ingredients into your butter mixture, stirring gently.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Magic

Pour in the pumpkin puree and stir until your batter looks silky and uniform.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Frosting

While the bars bake, create the frosting.

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Step 7: Sweeten the Frosting

Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until super smooth.

If it’s too thick, splash in milk one tablespoon at a time.

Step 8: Frost with Finesse

Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into delectable squares.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Cream Cheese Frosting on Pumpkin Bars

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the perfect texture and flavor of your bars.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough and dense.
• Adjust the powdered sugar and milk gradually to create a spreadable, creamy frosting that's not too runny or stiff.
• Watch bars closely and test with a toothpick; slightly underbaked bars stay moist and tender.
• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent spoilage.

Libbys Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Libbys pumpkin bars dance with autumn’s warmth, blending spiced cake and silky cream cheese frosting. Comfort meets elegance in each rich, moist square that welcomes seasonal celebration with irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) Libby’s Pumpkin Puree
• 4 Large Eggs
• 1 cup (226 grams) Butter (softened)
• 2 cups (240 grams) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) White Sugar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 5 cups (600 grams) Confectioners’ Sugar
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) Butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Line a 12″x17″ baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring sides are lightly coated with cooking spray for easy release.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs, blending thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
3. Carefully sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, maintaining an even texture.
4. Introduce pumpkin puree to the batter, stirring gently until the mixture appears uniform and silky.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, using a toothpick test to confirm doneness – it should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
6. While the bars are baking, craft the cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a mixer, blending until completely smooth.
7. Incrementally add powdered sugar to the frosting, mixing continuously. If the consistency appears too thick, incorporate milk one tablespoon at a time until desired spreadability is achieved.
8. Allow the baked bars to cool completely before applying an even layer of frosting across the entire surface.
9. Cut into individual servings and enjoy. Refrigerate remaining bars in an airtight container, which will maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Customize the spice blend by adjusting pumpkin pie spice ratios to match your taste preferences or experiment with homemade spice combinations.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain the original texture and taste.
• Control frosting consistency by gradually adding powdered sugar and milk, creating a spreadable yet stable cream cheese topping that won’t run off the bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 232 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg