Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix – The Perfect 3-Step Fall Dessert
These Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are soft, spiced, and super easy to make! A quick pumpkin dessert recipe that tastes like fall in every bite.
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If you’re craving the cozy flavors of fall but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix Easy recipe is your new go-to treat. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s soft, sweet, and loaded with warm pumpkin spice flavor. The best part? You don’t need any fancy baking skills — the cake mix does most of the work for you!
Whether you’re planning a quick family dessert, a school bake sale, or a sweet weekend indulgence, this pumpkin dessert recipe always comes out perfectly moist and delicious.
This recipe started on a lazy Sunday when I wanted to bake something warm and cozy but didn’t feel like measuring flour or sugar. I found a forgotten box of yellow cake mix in the pantry and a can of pumpkin puree in the cupboard — and that’s how this recipe was born. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds me of family gatherings, warm cups of coffee, and laughter around the kitchen table. Every bite brings back that comforting autumn feeling.
Kitchen Hacks
- Use Different Cake Mixes: Yellow, spice, or even vanilla cake mix works beautifully. Each one brings a slightly different flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and fluffy.
- Add Texture: Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for a fun twist.
- Make It Creamy: Top with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how ridiculously simple and foolproof this recipe is. The combination of pumpkin puree and cake mix creates a soft, perfectly moist texture that’s irresistible. These bars are packed with comforting spice flavors that taste like fall in every bite. Plus, cleanup is a breeze — just one bowl, one pan, and you’re done!
Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix – The Perfect 3-Step Fall Dessert
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12-16
servings10
minutes30
minutes260
kcalIngredients
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt- Optional Toppings:
Cream cheese frosting
Powdered sugar for dusting
Chopped pecans or chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until no dry spots remain. Do not overmix — just blend until the batter looks smooth and thick.
- Sprinkle in pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for that classic fall aroma, then stir until incorporated.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting.
- If desired, spread cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled bars or dust with powdered sugar for a light finish.
- Slice into squares or rectangles, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy each bite with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect autumn afternoon treat.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions / Variations
Serve these bars with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a dairy-free option, use coconut whipped cream or vegan frosting. If you love texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips on top before baking. These bars also pair beautifully with hot cocoa or chai latte during chilly evenings.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix Easy are proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste incredible. They’re moist, flavorful, and wonderfully spiced, making them a perfect fall dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just short on time, this recipe will instantly become your autumn favorite.
