As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, I find myself craving all things pumpkin! If you’re like me and love a quick and easy dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix. This delightful dessert is not only moist and flavorful but can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to your list of easy pasta recipes for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy schedules.
- Only two main ingredients needed!
- Moist and flavorful, with a delicious cream cheese frosting.
- Great for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat after quick family dinners.
- Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious pumpkin bars, you’ll need just a couple of simple ingredients:
- 1 box cake mix (spice type)
- 1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful pumpkin bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and pumpkin puree until smooth. It’s that easy!
- Spread the batter into a 9×13 baking pan, either lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, mix together 1 tub of cream cheese frosting and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, then slice into bars. ENJOY!
If you want thicker pieces, you can use an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper or nonstick spray and bake for 25 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your pumpkin bars turn out perfectly:
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Feel free to experiment with different frostings; a chocolate frosting could be a delightful twist!
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you’re short on time, you can also try No Bake Pumpkin Bars for a quick alternative!
How to Serve
These pumpkin bars are perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Bring them to potlucks or family gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit!
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
These pumpkin bars are great for making ahead of time! Here’s how to store them:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
- When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
So there you have it! A simple, quick, and delicious recipe for Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix that will surely become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re looking for quick cheap easy desserts or a sweet treat to accompany your 30-minute meals, these bars are the perfect solution. Don’t forget to check out my other delightful recipes like Pumpkin Dream Bars, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, and Biscoff Cake for more inspiration. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cake mix and pumpkin until smooth, then spread in a 9x13 pan.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes. Mix cream cheese frosting with pumpkin pie spice until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake and cut into bars. For thicker pieces, use an 8x8 pan and bake for 25 minutes.