Pumpkin Bars
These delicious Pumpkin Bars are my favorite Thanksgiving dessert. If you think you love pumpkin pie, just wait until you try my grandma’s recipe for the most incredible pumpkin dessert. There are three layers of scrumptious that start with a buttery yellow cake crust, second is a filling of sweet pumpkin-pie-ish deliciousness, top it off with a yellow cake crumble. That topping is just the best and don’t forget the spoonful of whipped cream!
I’m one of those people that enjoys pumpkin things all year round, not just in the fall. Once the leaves start turning, I literally can’t stop dreaming about all things pumpkin! And these pumpkin bars are at the top of that list! They satisfy every pumpkin-loving bone in my body, and also every butter and cake craving I’ve ever had in my life. It takes Thanksgiving nostalgia to new heights. Not only are these my favorite Thanksgiving treat, they’re pretty much my favorite dessert ever! And they’re so easy too!
In my opinion, these pumpkin bars are so much more flavorful than your traditional pumpkin pie. They’ve got the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, and that yellow cake mix crust and streusel on top is just so irresistible! These also happen to be super easy to make!
How Do You Make Pumpkin Bars?
Start this pumpkin dessert recipe by grabbing all of the ingredients. You may have them all in your pantry and fridge right now! You’ll need a yellow cake mix, unsalted butter, eggs, pumpkin pie mix (not pumpkin purée), milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
The first step to put these pumpkin squares together is to preheat the oven, grease a 9×13 baking dish, and mix together the base ingredients. You’ll then press this yellow cake butter mixture into the bottom of the dish.
Next, prepare the pumpkin layer. You’ll be using a large can of pumpkin pie mix. I use Libby’s 1lb. 14oz. can (affiliate link). Make sure you are actually using the pumpkin pie mix and not just plain pumpkin purée. Combine the canned pumpkin pie mix with 2 eggs and milk. You can use regular milk or almond milk.
Now, pour the pumpkin pie mixture over the yellow cake crust layer. You should be VERY excited… this is going to be so good!
Last, you will combine the topping using the reserved yellow cake mix, cinnamon, sugar, and softened butter until it’s crumbly. Sprinkle it over the pumpkin layer. Bake the layered pumpkin dessert for 45-50 minutes.
Once the squares have cooled for about 20 minutes, you’ll want to refrigerate them. I like to serve them chilled with a topping of Rheddi-wip or Cool Whip.
What I love most about this dessert is that it’s super easy to make, yet looks and tastes totally impressive. This treat is sure to earn you rave reviews from family and friends.
Tips For Making Pumpkin Bars
- Be sure to use canned pumpkin pie mix, NOT pumpkin purée. For this recipe, we want all that extra cinnamon and sugar that pie filling contains.
- This recipe calls for yellow cake mix, but spice cake mix is also a great option.
- This dessert would be yummy with toasted chopped pecans sprinkled over the top. You could even sprinkle on flaked coconut for a different flavor variation.
- These bars can be served warm, cold or at room temperature. To get neat slices, you’ll want to chill it before cutting. Otherwise just use a big serving spoon and scoop it onto plates. You can reheat cold slices of cake for 20 seconds in the microwave if you like to eat it warm. I personally prefer this dessert cold.
- Don’t forget the Rheddi-wip or Cool Whip! The whipped topping takes these bars to the next level. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be a delicious option.
Pumpkin Dessert To Feed A Crowd
Baking up pumpkin pie bars is the easiest way to serve pumpkin pie to a crowd, as it fills a 9 x 13 pan! A scrumptious yellow cake layer as the crust, topped with a rich layer of pumpkin pie, and finally a yummy sprinkling of more yellow cake streusel for the perfect fall dessert! Trust me when you make this, it will be gobbled up so quickly! Everyone loves these pumpkin bars!
Other Pumpkin Recipes To Try:
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Healthy Pumpkin Pie (gluten free & dairy free)
If you try this pumpkin pie dessert recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Buttery Pumpkin Bars are my favorite Thanksgiving dessert. Think you love pumpkin pie? Wait till you try my grandma's recipe for the most incredible pumpkin dessert!
- 1 box yellow cake mix (1 cup reserved)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (1 lb. 14 ozs.) Libby's pumpkin pie mix*
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cups milk (any milk works)
- 1 cup reserved cake mix
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Rheddi-wip, Cool Whip or vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
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Preheat oven to 350ºF. and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
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Combine the ingredients for the crust; in a medium mixing bowl. Use a large spoon to spread the crust into the bottom of the baking pan or press it evenly with your fingers.
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Combine the ingredients for the filling; in a medium mixing bowl. Pour filling over crust and spread out evenly.
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Combine the ingredients for the topping; in a small mixing bowl and sprinkle evenly over filling.
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Bake dessert at 350ºF for 45 to 50 mins.
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Allow dessert to cool for about 20 minutes and then store in the fridge (at least 3-4 hours) before serving.
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Bars will be tasty at room temperature, but are best served COLD with some type of whipped topping.
I use Pillsbury brand yellow cake mix.
FOR GLUTEN FREE, choose a gluten free boxed cake mix.
FOR DAIRY FREE, use a vegan butter, such as Earth Balance. Also, use a non dairy milk, such as almond milk.
*This is not the same as canned pumpkin purée. Be sure to read the label and make sure your can is listed as "pumpkin pie mix".
Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.
Did you make this recipe?
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These pumpkin bars are a must! I made them for the teachers at my school and everyone loved them so much! Will be making again for Thanksgiving!
I never tried making pumpkin bars before but these turned out so delicious! I love how easy this recipe is ♥
Can this recipe be made vegan?
I’ve successfully made it gluten-free and dairy-free, but never vegan. You could totally try an egg substitute like flax eggs, but I hate to say that it will definitely work, since I haven’t actually tried it. Please let me know if you give it a go!
These were incredible!! My new favorite pumpkin bar recipe. The cake layer mixed with the pumpkin filling was perfect and then the topping… yum!
These were such a delicious sweet treat. I followed your recipe exactly and used almond milk. They were a total hit with the family.
These are my new favorite autumn dessert! I loved these and will definitely be making them again soon!
These pumpkin bars were absolutely irresistible. I seriously could not stay out of the pan. Will definitely be making again for Thanksgiving!
These were amazing!! Everyone in my family gobbled them up! We topped them with Cool Whip and it was the perfect pumpkin dessert!
OMG… these bars were so perfect! They were not only easy, but had the best pumpkin flavor and I loved all of the layers, especially that streusel topping!
I made your recipe for a gathering yesterday and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!