These easy Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars made with Libby’s famous pumpkin puree and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, are a classic treat perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties. They’re simple to make and delicious to share, offering a rich blend of spices and sweetness that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Rich Flavor: The warm spices combined with the creamy frosting create a decadent treat.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or cozy fall evenings.
Customizable: Easily tweak the spices or add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Soft, moist pumpkin bars with a creamy, sweet frosting—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pumpkin Bars:
Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin (1 can, 15 oz)
4 large eggs
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups)
Vegetable oil (1 cup)
All-purpose flour (2 cups)
Baking powder (2 tsp)
Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tsp)
Baking soda (1 tsp)
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp)
Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
Salt (¼ tsp)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
Powdered sugar (4 cups)
Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Heavy cream or milk (2 tbsp, as needed to thin frosting)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Pumpkin Bars:
In a large bowl, I mix the pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Then, I gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, careful not to overmix.
Bake the Pumpkin Bars:
I pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Baking takes about 25–30 minutes, and I know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, I let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the bars cool, I beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually, I add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. If needed, I adjust the consistency by adding more milk, a little at a time.
Frost and Serve:
Once the bars are completely cool, I spread the frosting evenly over the top and slice them into squares or rectangles for serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16–20 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
Variations
Add Mix-Ins: Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips in the batter for added texture.
Spice It Up: Adjust the spice blend to your taste—add cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Lighter Frosting: Use a thinner glaze or powdered sugar dusting instead of cream cheese frosting.
Double the Batch: Make two pans for larger gatherings or freeze one for later.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary.
Related Recipes:
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
FAQs
How can I make these pumpkin bars dairy-free?
Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, and use almond or coconut milk for the frosting.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, I recommend pureeing fresh pumpkin until smooth and using the same measurement as the canned puree.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch sheet pan is ideal, but you can also use a slightly larger or smaller pan for different thicknesses. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! I prepare the bars a day ahead and frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.
Why is my frosting too thick or thin?
If the frosting is too thick, I add milk a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, I incorporate more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of fall to your table. With their tender texture, spiced pumpkin flavor, and creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing and celebrating the season. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these pumpkin bars are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and moist pumpkin bars made with Libby’s pumpkin puree and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. These fall-inspired treats are perfect for holiday parties and cozy gatherings, offering rich spices and irresistible sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bars:
1 can (15 oz) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line with parchment paper. - Prepare the Pumpkin Bars:
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Pumpkin Bars:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, beating until creamy. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread frosting over cooled bars.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Customizations: Add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, or tweak the spice blend for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16–20 bars
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
