This is a wonderful small batch pumpkin bars recipe. Tender pumpkin bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. No need to make a big batch, this small batch recipe gives you the perfect amount to satisfy a sweet craving.
Pumpkin bars are a dessert I make every fall.
As soon as cans of pumpkin begin to arrive on the store shelves, I grab a few so that I can start my fall baking.
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Pumpkin Bars
These pumpkin bars are perfect to enjoy for breakfast or for an afternoon snack. They’re the ultimate fall treat and the perfect amount if you’re cooking for one or two people.
This pumpkin bar recipe is adapted from the pumpkin bars recipe that I’ve used for years. When my five children were living at home, a large baking tray of these bars were the perfect amount for our large family.
Now that my children are grown, I certainly don’t want to make a large batch and this small batch pumpkin bar recipe is absolutely perfect.
These pumpkin bars are made with 100% pumpkin puree. You can use canned or you can make your own.
Note: I use a 5-inch baking dish, for best results use a baking dish of similar size. Mini loaf pans will work well too. If you use mini loaf pans, fill them two-thirds to three-quarters full.
More information on baking dishes below.
For a small batch of pumpkin bars, first lightly grease a small baking dish.
Begin by combining one egg, sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree in a medium sized mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
Pour the batter into a lightly greased small baking dish and bake for 25-28 minutes.
Combine two ounces of softened cream cheese with two tablespoons of softened butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla.
Mix until smooth and spread over the cooled pumpkin cake.
Cream Cheese Desserts
In the United States, you will often find cream cheese sold in eight ounce bricks or small tubs.
Since this pumpkin bar recipe calls for just two ounces in the cream cheese frosting, consider using the remainder in these single serving cream cheese dessert recipes:
I’ve always loved making pumpkin bars but stopped making them because I didn’t want or need such a large batch. Now that I have this small batch bar recipe, I find that I’m making them over and over again.
The smaller size makes these pumpkin bars perfect to give as gifts or to bring to a friend.
Enjoy!
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The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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10 thoughts on “Small Batch Pumpkin Bars”
Mike
These bars are excellent!! Also swapped maple extract for the vanilla in the frosting and it was good too Just thought you would like to know.
Made these gluten free using an all,purpose GF flour! Came out great.
Love the small size as there are only two,in our household.
Used a 6-in. round baking dish and it was fine. 🍁
The frosting is also AWESOME made with the Philadelphia-brand tub cream cheese that is cinnamon infused! I can never have too much cinnamon, and of course, it works perfectly with pumpkin 🙂
These bars are excellent!! Also swapped maple extract for the vanilla in the frosting and it was good too Just thought you would like to know.
Oooh! I love the idea of using maple syrup. Thank you for sharing that tip. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Joanie
Made these gluten free using an all,purpose GF flour! Came out great.
Love the small size as there are only two,in our household.
Used a 6-in. round baking dish and it was fine. 🍁
Wonderful, Betty! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for letting me know!
These sweet little pumpkin bars totally hit the spot!
Pumpkin Bars are my favorite fall dessert! I love the smaller batch recipe – otherwise I would so eat the entire pan!
The frosting is also AWESOME made with the Philadelphia-brand tub cream cheese that is cinnamon infused! I can never have too much cinnamon, and of course, it works perfectly with pumpkin 🙂
I love the idea of using cinnamon infused cream cheese! Great suggestion.
This is the perfect size for gift giving! It’s the perfect amount!
This is perfect! Not just for one…. but for those who don’t need to temptation to eat more than they should!