Pumpkin Bars

4.37 from 11 votes

Whip up these easy Pumpkin Bars for a quick fall treat - moist, flavorful, and finished with rich Nutella buttercream frosting.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Additional Time1

Total Time1 40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: bars

Author: Jamie Sherman

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and cloves.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
Add eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Mix on medium speed until fully combined.
4 large eggs, 1 can pure pumpkin, 1 cup vegetable oil
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat butter, Nutella, and milk until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup Nutella, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 cups powdered sugar
Spread or pipe frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

🥡 STORAGE: Store frosted pumpkin bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

♨️ REHEATING: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature.

If preferred slightly warm, remove from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature. Do not microwave or heat, as the frosting may melt.

❄️ FREEZING: Store unfrosted pumpkin bars in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving.

Avoid freezing frosted bars, as the frosting may change texture once thawed.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Sift powdered sugar for a smooth, lump-free buttercream.

Chill frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean edges.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS: Bake in two 9-inch square pans for thicker bars; increase bake time slightly.

Make as cupcakes - bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

For smaller batches, halve the recipe and bake in an 8x8-inch pan.

♻️ LEFTOVERS: Keep leftover bars in the refrigerator and enjoy within 5 days.

Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and a creamy frosting texture.

Leftover frosting can be spread on cookies, cupcakes, or even pancakes for a sweet treat.