Halloween Pumpkin Bars - The Perfect Treat for Your Spooky Party
Prep time: 45mins | 12 Servings
If you’re searching for the best Halloween desserts to impress your guests, these Halloween Pumpkin Bars are exactly what you need! Soft, moist, and loaded with warm fall spices, these pumpkin bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, baking for a school event, or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Halloween Pumpkin Bars
- Perfect for fall gatherings – The rich pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices scream autumn.
Quick and easy to make – No complicated techniques; just mix, bake, and frost.
Customizable and fun – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or spooky decorations for a Halloween twist.
Crowd-pleaser – Soft, flavorful, and beautifully spiced, everyone will ask for seconds!
These bars are not just delicious—they’re also one of the most popular Halloween desserts to make ahead of time.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
Âľ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
ÂĽ cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
đź’ˇ Optional toppings: orange sprinkles, candy eyes, mini chocolate chips, or drizzle of caramel sauce for extra Halloween flair!
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until no lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and fluffy.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely
Let the pumpkin bars cool in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, smooth layer.
7. Frost and Decorate
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until fluffy. Spread over cooled bars.
Add Halloween decorations –Â sprinkles, candy eyes, or orange drizzle for that festive touch!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor.
Don’t overbake – you want moist and tender bars, not dry cake.
Chill before cutting to get clean slices and a firm frosting layer.
Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Creative Halloween Decoration Ideas
Want your Halloween desserts to stand out on the table? Try these creative decoration ideas for your pumpkin bars:
Jack-o’-lantern faces – Use melted chocolate or black icing to draw spooky faces on top.
Creepy crawlers – Place gummy spiders or candy bugs on each bar for a fun surprise.
Bloody drizzle – Mix red food coloring with white chocolate to create a “bloody” topping.
Mini pumpkins – Pipe orange frosting swirls and add green stems for adorable pumpkin-themed bars.
These simple touches can turn ordinary bars into show-stopping Halloween desserts that everyone will love (and photograph!).
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving (1 slice)
- Calories220 kcal
- Protein3 g
- Carbohydrates32 g
- Fat9 g
- Saturated Fat5 g
- Cholesterol35 mg
- Sodium180 mg
- Fiber2 g
- Sugar18 g
FAQ
Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze pumpkin bars?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Q3: Can I use a substitute for pumpkin puree?
You can use sweet potato or butternut squash puree, but flavor may vary.
Q4: Are these bars gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q5: How long do they last?
Frosted bars last up to 5 days in the fridge; unfrosted bars last 2 days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Halloween Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate mix of cozy fall flavor and spooky fun. Easy to bake, beautifully moist, and topped with creamy frosting they’ll quickly become your go-to Halloween dessert every year.
What’s your favorite Halloween dessert? Tell us in the comments below or share your spooky pumpkin bar creations on social media using #TasteSpurHalloween!
