The BEST Pumpkin Bars Recipe

It’s finally officially my favorite time of year- time to bring out all my favorite pumpkin recipes! That’s right over the weekend it *officially* became fall so now it’s time to sip apple cider, throw on a flannel and bake delicious recipes, like the classic pumpkin bars.

These are the best pumpkin bars to make this pumpkin season because they’re so simple but SO good. They’re sure to be a huge hit at any Halloween party or fall festival you have planned! Read on to find out how to make them, how you can make them your own, and more.

What’s the difference between pumpkin bars and pumpkin pie?

There are a few differences between pumpkin pie and pumpkin bars, even though they do have a very similar flavor profile. Pumpkin pie of course is served in a crust, while pumpkin bars are not. Pumpkin bars are also denser, more like a cake than a flaky pastry.

That said, if you like pumpkin pie, you’ll LOVE these Pumpkin Bars!

I can’t find spice cake mix. How can I make my own?

If you can’t find spice cake mix, you can definitely make your own pumpkin cake mix using warm spices or even Pumpkin Pie Spice! Here’s how to make your own cake mix:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Note: If you have Pumpkin Pie Spice, you can substitute that for the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves.

If using your own cake mix recipe, be sure to keep a close eye on your Pumpkin Bars as they bake as the cooking time may vary with different ingredients.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you can’t find or don’t want to use canned pumpkin puree, you can make your own pumpkin mixture using pie pumpkins. Here’s how to do that:

1. Wash the pumpkin and cut it in half
2. Scoop out the seeds and pulp.
3. Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
4. Roast the pumpkin in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 45 mins to an hour, until the flesh is soft and fork tender.
5. ​Use a food processor, blender or immersion blender to puree the pumpkin until it is smooth and creamy.

Making your own pumpkin puree may add even more pumpkin flavor so if you love fresh pumpkin, that might be the way to go! You could also use Pumpkin Pie Filling, but that could be a lot of sweetness. Play around with the recipe until you find exactly what you want!

If using homemade pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling, be sure to keep a close eye on the bars as they bake as cooking times may vary when ingredients are swapped.

What toppings can I add to these Pumpkin Dessert Bars?

Want to make these even MORE flavorful pumpkin bars? Consider adding a delicious topping! I added chopped nuts to mine, but you could add chocolate chips or even swap the frosting for a dusting of powdered sugar.

What are some tips for getting the best texture and flavor in pumpkin bars?

Here are some tips to help you to make the absolute best pumpkin bars you can make:

​Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before baking: This creates a smoother batter and helps with even baking

Properly measure ingredients: Make sure to level off your measurements for accuracy!

Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined and stop as soon as it’s smooth. Overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture.

Evenly spread the batter in the pan: This will help ensure all of the bars are baked the proper amount and none of them are overbaked or underbaked.

Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test to make sure your bars are baked through all the way.

Cool completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan or on a wire rack to help them set.

How should I store Pumpkin Bars?

If storing your bars for just a day or two, you can just keep them at room temperature. Make sure they’re in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh!

If you need more time, these bars can be kept in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Still be sure to keep them in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap or foil.

Can I freeze pumpkin bars for later?

Definitely! If you don’t think you’ll finish the batch in the next few days, or you made extra to store for later, you can keep these in the freezer for about 2-3 months. I recommend cutting them into portions ahead of time so you only have to thaw however much you want to enjoy at once. If storing more than one bar in a bag or container, individually wrap them in plastic wrap or foil or place a sheet of parchment paper in between them to keep them from sticking.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make Pumpkin Bars?

To make these delicious, flavorful pumpkin bars, you’ll need:

{These links are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!}

• Stand electric mixer or hand mixer or whisk
• 9×13 pan
• Silicone spatula
• Offset spatula
• Optional: Food Processor for Chopping Nuts
• Serving Knife

Step by Step Guide

Ready to bake? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper

In a large bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients and dry ingredients besides the frosting- the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs- on low speed until smooth

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake springs back when touched

Allow the cake bars to cool completely, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with pumpkin spice and/or chopped pecans if desired

Cut into bars before serving

Hungry for More?

Want more delicious pumpkin desserts? Try these:

• Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Donuts
• Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins
• Pumpkin Pie in a Jar
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Cider
• Caramel Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee
• Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
• Fettuccine with Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappe
• Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
• Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
• Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Donuts
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
• Pumpkin Mug Cake
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread
• Harry Potter Inspired Pumpkin Pasties Recipe