Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn? Picture this: soft, spiced pumpkin roll bars with a luscious cream cheese filling that just melts in your mouth. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg dances on your palate, while the moist texture offers a delightful contrast to the smooth frosting. These Pumpkin Roll Bars are not just a treat; they evoke cozy memories of fall gatherings and family celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a seasonal sweet, these Pumpkin Roll Bars are sure to impress. They combine the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with the ease of bar-style baking, making them an ideal addition to any dessert table. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich flavors and comforting aromas that make this treat truly irresistible. So, let’s dive into making these delicious bars that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients For Pumpkin Roll Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bars; sift it for better texture.
- Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the batter and helps create a lovely crust.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise perfectly.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the warmth and richness of your dessert.
- Eggs: They bind everything together, providing structure and moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for making the creamy frosting that complements the bars beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Pumpkin Roll Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Second Step : Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of flavors throughout your bars.
Third Step : Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree with eggs and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy before adding it to your dry mixture.
Fourth Step : Blend Together
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry flour remains visible.
Fifth Step : Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Sixth Step : Cool and Frost
Once baked, allow your bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. In the meantime, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy. Once cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top before slicing into squares.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Roll Bars as a perfect finishing touch to any fall gathering!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance flavor compared to pre-ground options.
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner cuts when slicing your bars, chill them in the fridge after frosting for at least an hour.
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture.
Enjoy making these Pumpkin Roll Bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in your household during this delightful season.
Preparation Steps
To make delicious Pumpkin Roll Bars, follow these simple preparation steps. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for around 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Your Pumpkin Roll Bars
A key component of Pumpkin Roll Bars is the creamy frosting. For this delightful touch, beat together cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until mixed well. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until fluffy and smooth.
Once your bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top using a spatula. Feel free to sprinkle with chopped nuts or additional cinnamon for added flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Roll Bars are perfect for any occasion! Slice them into squares for easy serving at parties or gatherings. They also make an excellent snack alongside coffee or tea during fall afternoons.
For an extra special treat, serve them warmed slightly in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation.
Storage Tips
To keep your Pumpkin Roll Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for about a week.
For longer storage, consider freezing these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Presentation Ideas
These Pumpkin Roll Bars are versatile and pair wonderfully with:
- A dollop of whipped cream: Add a light touch of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over your bars for an indulgent twist.
- Candied pecans: Sprinkle some candied pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
FAQs
What makes Pumpkin Roll Bars different from regular pumpkin bars?
Pumpkin Roll Bars feature a unique rolled texture that mimics traditional pumpkin rolls but are easier to make as they do not require rolling after baking. The moist cake combined with rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful experience that is less cumbersome than rolling individual cakes. This recipe enhances convenience while retaining all the flavors that fans love about pumpkin desserts.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin can enhance flavor even more than canned options if properly prepared. Select sugar pumpkins as they provide the best results for baking due to their sweetness and creamy texture when roasted and pureed. Make sure to drain excess moisture after cooking so that your Pumpkin Roll Bars do not turn out soggy.
Can I substitute any ingredients in my Pumpkin Roll Bars?
Yes! You can easily substitute various ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences. For instance, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for added flavor diversity. Additionally, consider substituting maple syrup for sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener approach without compromising taste!
How do I prevent my bars from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking when making these Pumpkin Roll Bars, ensure you line your baking pan with parchment paper as mentioned earlier. Additionally, lightly grease both sides of the parchment paper before pouring in your batter; this will create an easy release once baked while preserving all those lovely edges!
Pumpkin Roll Bars
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin Roll Bars. Soft and spiced, each bar is filled with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, these bars combine the essence of pumpkin pie with the convenience of easy bar-style baking. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting: beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Spread frosting over cooled bars and cut into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (75g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg