Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

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Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall dessert, bringing together the rich flavor of pumpkin, warm spices, and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. These pumpkin bars are incredibly easy to make and are perfect for family gatherings, holiday potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day. With a light cake-like texture and a decadent cream cheese frosting topping, this treat is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

These Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves autumn-inspired desserts. The combination of canned pumpkin puree and cozy spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, comforting flavor profile. The bars are topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, making each bite feel indulgent yet balanced. With the added convenience of using a sheet pan, this recipe is perfect for large gatherings, ensuring you can feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

Here are the essential ingredients for making these delightful pumpkin bars:

• Libby’s Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, providing rich pumpkin flavor and moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars structure and tenderness.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the bars without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the bars a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Help the bars rise to the perfect consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, bringing depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars from the pan.
• Cream Cheese: The base for the creamy, tangy frosting.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of aromatic sweetness to the frosting.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing any ingredients or need substitutions, here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Pumpkin Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will work just as well.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like margarine and non-dairy cream cheese.
• Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of white sugar for a more natural sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps for a perfect batch of pumpkin bars:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12” x 17” half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar using an electric mixer. Add eggs and mix well.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
Add the Pumpkin: Blend in the pumpkin puree until smooth, ensuring the batter is well combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting: While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting by blending softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

To ensure your Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick to check if the bars are done. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Frost Generously: Don’t be shy with the cream cheese frosting—it’s what makes these bars irresistible.

Storage: Store your pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some creative variations and pairing suggestions for Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars:

Cream Cheese Swirl: For a cheesecake-like twist, add a cream cheese swirl by blending softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, and swirling it into the batter before baking.

Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey delight.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch.
Streusel Topping: If you’re not a fan of frosting, top the bars with a cinnamon streusel made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for a crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions: Pair these bars with a warm mug of apple cider or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate fall treat.

Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal

These Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a great way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to any dessert. While these bars are indulgent, they offer a burst of fall flavors with the added benefits of pumpkin’s healthful properties. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them at your next holiday gathering, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit!

Incorporating pumpkin into your fall baking not only brings warmth and comfort but also makes for a wholesome dessert option when enjoyed in moderation. So go ahead, make a batch of Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars, and savor the flavors of autumn!

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of fall with minimal effort. These delicious bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that is sure to make them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a work potluck, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these pumpkin bars are easy to prepare, store well, and are sure to disappear fast. Don’t forget to experiment with variations like chocolate chips, nuts, or a streusel topping to make them your own. So, grab your ingredients and start baking these irresistible pumpkin bars today!

FAQ About Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

Can I use a different type of pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! While Libby’s Pumpkin Puree is a popular choice, you can use any brand of canned pumpkin puree in this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

Can I use a different type of pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! These pumpkin bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The bars actually taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. If you need to make them even further in advance, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

How do I store leftover pumpkin bars?

To store leftovers, keep the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. The cream cheese frosting will stay fresh when refrigerated. If you plan on freezing the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

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Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 32 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sheet Pan Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are a perfect fall treat, combining the rich flavor of pumpkin with warm spices and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting. These bars are easy to make and are ideal for large gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

15 oz can of Libby’s Pumpkin Puree
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ½ cups White Sugar
1 cup Butter, softened
4 Large Eggs
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ tsp Salt
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
5 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Parchment Paper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12″ x 17″ half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Spray the sides of the pan with cooking spray.
Cream together the butter and white sugar in an electric mixer or large bowl. Add eggs and mix well.
Sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until well combined.

Blend the pumpkin puree into the batter until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the bars bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

If using a different sized pan, adjust the baking time slightly for thicker or thinner bars.
For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

To make the bars more decadent, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
If you want a sweeter topping, use more powdered sugar in the frosting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American