Chewy Pumpkin Bars

Featured in Desserts.

Just baked these pumpkin bars and my whole house smells amazing. They’re moist, fluffy, and that cinnamon crust is the perfect finishing touch. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear! Took them to a friend’s fall gathering, and they were gone in minutes. Pro tip: slightly underbake for the best gooey texture as they cool. These bars stay fresh for days, but honestly, they won’t last that long.
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:06:18 GMT
Three moist pumpkin bars stacked on a textured tabletop, with a pumpkin blurred in the background. Pin it
Three moist pumpkin bars stacked on a textured tabletop, with a pumpkin blurred in the background. | tasteofmoms.com

My autumn obsession are these pumpkin cinnamon blondie squares. Picture ultra-soft, buttery bars swirled with pumpkin and cozy spices, all finished with a sweet cinnamon crackle on top. Each mouthful feels like you're wrapped in a fall blanket.

Why You'll Adore These Treats

What gets me excited about these squares is how they pack all the best fall flavors together. Thanks to the pumpkin, they stay super moist, and that cinnamon sugar crust gives just the right sweetness kick. They come together so fast but taste like you've been baking all day long.

What You'll Need

  • All Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forms the base texture.
  • Pumpkin Purée: 1 cup, keeps everything juicy.
  • Butter: ¾ cup, melted and cooled a bit.
  • Sugar: 1½ cups, brown and white mixed for rich flavor.
  • Eggs: 2 large, holds it all together.
  • Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, plus extra for the top.
  • Vanilla: A dash, for warmth.
  • Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, makes them fluffy.
  • Cream of Tartar: 1 teaspoon, adds that classic tang.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: For that crunchy topping.
A close-up of rectangular pieces of dessert, showcasing a golden-brown, cinnamon-sugar topped baked treat arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of rectangular pieces of dessert, showcasing a golden-brown, cinnamon-sugar topped baked treat arranged on parchment paper. | tasteofmoms.com

Baking Instructions

Get Ready
Warm your oven to 350°F and put parchment in a 9x13 baking dish.
Blend Wet Stuff
In a big bowl, stir pumpkin, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until it looks smooth.
Handle Dry Items
Mix flour, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
Put Everything Together
Slowly mix dry stuff into wet stuff. Spread it all evenly in your pan.
Sprinkle The Top
Cover the batter with plenty of cinnamon sugar.
Cook It
Pop in the oven for about 25 minutes until done but still tender inside. Let cool before slicing.

Fun Twists To Try

You can really switch things up with this basic recipe. I've thrown in white chocolate chips that get all gooey inside. Adding crushed pecans brings a nice crunch too. When I'm feeling extra, I pour some maple topping over everything - it totally changes the game.

Tasty Combos

Nothing beats eating these with hot coffee, especially when it's cold out. They're also amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that hot-cold magic. Whenever I take them to fall parties, they're gone in seconds flat.

A close-up image of golden brown, freshly baked square treats arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up image of golden brown, freshly baked square treats arranged on parchment paper. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Pop them in a sealed container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat.
→ Why is cream of tartar used?
It’s what gives that tangy, classic snickerdoodle taste. Skipping it means losing some signature flavor.
→ How do I know when they’re ready?
Stick a toothpick in the middle—if it comes out without sticky batter, they’re good. Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center.
→ Can homemade pumpkin puree work?
Absolutely, just be sure to remove extra liquid first. Pre-made puree is easier for getting a consistent texture.
→ What’s the best way to store these?
Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temp for up to 5 days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge.

Chewy Pumpkin Bars

Soft, cinnamon-spiced pumpkin bars topped with crackly sugar. A cozy treat that’s perfect for any autumn gathering.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup sugar.
02 1/2 cup soft brown sugar.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1/2 cup smooth pumpkin puree.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
07 1 tablespoon tartar powder.
08 1 cup melted butter.
09 2 cups all-purpose flour.
10 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
11 1/2 teaspoon salt.
12 1 teaspoon baking powder.
13 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger.
14 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling.
15 1 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling.
16 1 large egg.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 dish with parchment paper.

Step 02

Stir together the butter, sugars, pumpkin, vanilla, and egg until combined.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the flour with salt, baking powder, soda, spices, and cream of tartar.

Step 04

Gently fold the wet stuff into the dry ingredients until just blended.

Step 05

Spread the mix in the pan and scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Step 06

Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick should slide out clean when it's done.

Notes

  1. Cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
  2. Refrigerate slices for a cleaner cut.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Includes gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 2 g