Decadent Pumpkin Spice Bars
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with our Decadent Pumpkin Spice Bars! This delightful recipe has been cherished for over 20 years, and it's no wonder why. These bars combine the rich flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, all nestled within a buttery cake-like crust. Topped with a crumbly walnut mixture, these bars are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy autumn nights, or as a sweet snack anytime. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy them cold to savor every delicious layer. Once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury yellow cake mix
18 1/2 ounces (none)
Butter, melted
1/2 cup (melted)
Eggs
4 (lightly beaten)
Solid pack pumpkin
1 (30 ounce) can (none)
Sugar
1 cup, divided (none)
Light brown sugar
1/2 cup, firmly packed (none)
Evaporated milk
2/3 cup (none)
Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter, softened
1/4 cup (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.
2
In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, melted butter, and the beaten egg until well blended.
3
Evenly press the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
4
In another large bowl, lightly beat the remaining 3 eggs. Then, stir in the solid pack pumpkin, 1/2 cup of sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
5
Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pressed cake mixture in the pan.
6
In a separate bowl, take the reserved 1 cup of cake mix and combine it with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, chopped walnuts, and softened butter; mix until crumbly.
7
Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the pumpkin layer in the pan.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into bars.
9
Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve cold for a refreshing treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Pumpkin Spice Bars?
These are a delightful fall treat featuring pumpkin, warm spices, and a buttery cake-like crust, topped with a crumbly walnut mixture.
What kind of cake mix is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 18 1/2 ounce box of Pillsbury yellow cake mix.
How long has this recipe been around?
This specific recipe has been cherished for over 20 years.
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking pan for these bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How many eggs are required for the entire recipe?
A total of 4 eggs are used: 1 for the crust and 3 for the pumpkin filling.
What type of pumpkin should I buy?
You should use one 30-ounce can of solid pack pumpkin.
How is the crust for the bars prepared?
The crust is made by combining most of the cake mix (reserving 1 cup) with 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 lightly beaten egg, then pressing it into the pan.
What ingredients go into the pumpkin filling layer?
The filling consists of 3 eggs, solid pack pumpkin, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and cinnamon.
What makes the topping crumbly?
The topping is a mixture of the reserved 1 cup of cake mix, 1/2 cup of sugar, chopped walnuts, and softened butter.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour the 13x9 inch baking pan before adding the crust.
How long do the pumpkin bars need to bake?
Bake them for 50 to 60 minutes in a preheated oven.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.
Can these bars be served warm?
Yes, they are delicious served warm, especially with a dollop of whipped cream.
Are these bars good when served cold?
Absolutely, refrigerating them and serving them cold offers a refreshing and flavorful treat.
What kind of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 2/3 cup of evaporated milk.
Should the butter for the crust be melted or softened?
For the crust, the 1/2 cup of butter should be melted.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Is brown sugar used in this recipe?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar in the pumpkin mixture.
What type of nuts are recommended for the topping?
Chopped walnuts are used to create the crumbly topping.
How much total sugar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of white sugar (divided) and 1/2 cup of light brown sugar.
How should I prepare the eggs?
The eggs should be lightly beaten before being added to the crust and filling mixtures.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being mixed into the topping.
Is the butter for the topping melted?
No, the 1/4 cup of butter for the topping should be softened, not melted, to create a crumbly texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, cinnamon, walnuts, and softened butter.
What occasions are these bars best for?
They are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy autumn nights, or as a holiday dessert.
Should the pumpkin be mixed until smooth?
Yes, stir the pumpkin, sugars, eggs, milk, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth before pouring.
How do you form the crust layer?
Evenly press the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid base.
Can I use any brand of yellow cake mix?
While the recipe mentions Pillsbury, any standard 18 1/2 ounce yellow cake mix should work.
When should I cut the dessert into bars?
Allow the pan to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before cutting it into individual bars.