These Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars deliver the perfect fall dessert experience with their tender, spiced cake base and luxurious cream cheese frosting. Using the trusted Libby’s pumpkin puree as the foundation, these bars capture all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn while being simple enough to prepare for large gatherings or holiday celebrations.
The sheet pan format makes this recipe ideal for feeding crowds, yielding 48 generous servings that are perfect for potlucks, office parties, or family gatherings. The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates an aromatic blend that fills your kitchen with the essence of fall, while the rich cream cheese frosting provides a tangy contrast that balances the sweet, spiced cake perfectly.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bars
Crowd-Feeding Capacity – One pan yields 48 servings, making it perfect for large gatherings and events.
Classic Fall Flavors – Traditional pumpkin pie spices combined with real pumpkin puree create authentic autumn taste.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Frosting – Homemade cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness and tangy balance.
Simple Preparation – Straightforward mixing method requires no special techniques or equipment.
Versatile Serving Options – Works equally well for casual gatherings or elegant holiday desserts.
Extended Storage Life – Keeps well refrigerated for up to 6 days or frozen for 3 months.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Angled icing spatula for smooth frosting application
- 12×17-inch half-sheet baking pan (or 10×15-inch jelly roll pan for taller bars)
- Electric mixer for optimal mixing results
- Parchment paper for easy removal
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Bars:
- 15 oz can Libby’s pumpkin puree – provides authentic pumpkin flavor and moist texture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – creates proper structure and tender crumb
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – sweetens and helps create tender texture
- 1 cup butter, softened – adds richness and contributes to soft texture
- 4 large eggs – bind ingredients and add richness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – ensures proper rise and light texture
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps with browning and tender crumb
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – provides warm, aromatic spice
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – delivers complex autumn flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances other flavors
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar – creates smooth, sweet frosting base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – provides tangy richness and smooth texture
- 1/4 cup butter, softened – adds richness and helps achieve proper consistency
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor profile
Optional Toppings:
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
- Fall-colored sprinkles for festive appearance
- Mini pumpkin candies for seasonal decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12×17-inch half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper and spray sides with cooking spray. This size creates bars about 3/4 inch thick. For taller bars, use a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
Create the Batter Base
In an electric mixer or large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
Assemble the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Blend in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The surface should spring back lightly when touched.
Prepare the Frosting
While bars bake, make the cream cheese frosting. In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, blend cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with milk if too thick or additional powdered sugar if too thin.
Apply Final Touches
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars using an angled spatula. Add optional toppings if desired, then slice into squares before serving.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Pan Size Flexibility – Larger pan creates thinner bars; smaller pan creates thicker bars. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Proper Cooling – Bars must be completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Frosting Consistency – Achieve spreadable consistency by adjusting liquid or powdered sugar gradually.
Even Distribution – Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure even spice distribution.
Storage Success – Store covered in refrigerator to maintain frosting quality and prevent spoilage.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 48 bars
- Calories per bar: ~209 kcal
Perfect Pairings
Hot Beverages – Coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate complement the warm spices beautifully.
Fall Gatherings – Essential addition to autumn potlucks and harvest celebrations.
Holiday Dessert Tables – Works well alongside other seasonal desserts for variety.
Casual Entertaining – Easy to serve and transport for various social occasions.
Gift Giving – Package individual bars for thoughtful homemade presents.
Ideal Occasions
Holiday Celebrations – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or autumn gatherings.
Office Parties – Easy to transport and serve in professional settings.
School Events – Kid-friendly flavors that appeal to various age groups.
Potluck Contributions – Feeds large groups while being easy to transport.
Weekend Baking Projects – Manageable recipe for family baking time.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator Storage – Store covered for up to 5-6 days for best quality.
Freezing Instructions – Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Make-Ahead Strategy – Bars can be baked and frozen unfrosted, then frosted after thawing.
Serving Temperature – Best served at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
Creative Variations to Try
Spice Modifications – Adjust cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice levels to personal taste preferences.
Frosting Alternatives – Try maple cream cheese frosting or brown butter frosting for different flavors.
Add-In Options – Include chopped pecans or walnuts in the batter for extra texture.
Glaze Instead – Replace frosting with simple powdered sugar glaze for lighter option.
Seasonal Decorations – Use different colored sprinkles or candies based on the specific holiday.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dense Texture – Don’t overmix batter after adding flour; mix just until combined.
Uneven Baking – Ensure batter is spread evenly in pan and oven temperature is accurate.
Frosting Too Soft – Chill briefly or add more powdered sugar to achieve proper consistency.
Dry Bars – Don’t overbake; test with toothpick and remove as soon as it comes out clean.
Why This Recipe Works
These pumpkin bars succeed because they balance moisture from the pumpkin puree with proper leavening agents to create a tender, cake-like texture. The sheet pan method ensures even baking while providing the large yield needed for gatherings.
The cream cheese frosting provides necessary richness and tangy contrast that prevents the bars from being overly sweet while complementing the warm spices perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars represent the best of seasonal baking—they capture authentic fall flavors while being practical enough for large-scale entertaining. The recipe’s reliability and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a valuable addition to any baker’s seasonal repertoire.
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these bars deliver the comfort and satisfaction that make autumn baking so special.
