Decadent Pumpkin Spice Layer Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Pumpkin Spice Layer Bars, featuring a delightful three-layer structure that balances a buttery yellow cake crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and a sweet crumbly topping. This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to assemble, making it perfect for fall gatherings or any holiday celebration. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or savor them as is for a deliciously spiced treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike!
12
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
18 ounces (dry mix, no preparation needed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted and cooled)
eggs
3 (beaten)
canned pumpkin puree
16 ounces (no preparation needed)
evaporated milk
5 ounces (no preparation needed)
packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
pumpkin pie spice
2 1/2 teaspoons (no preparation needed)
sugar
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
whipped cream
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one of the beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
3
Reserve one cup of this cake mix mixture and set it aside.
4
Spread the remaining cake mix mixture evenly into an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan, pressing down to form a crust.
5
In another medium bowl, combine the remaining eggs, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat the mixture until smooth.
6
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the prepared baking pan.
7
In a small bowl, mix together the reserved cake-mix mixture, sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon until crumbly.
8
Sprinkle the crumbly mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares, then cut those into triangles.
11
Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional pumpkin pie spice.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Pumpkin Spice Layer Bars?
These bars are a three-layer fall dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust, a creamy pumpkin filling, and a sweet, crumbly cinnamon topping.
How many layers are in this pumpkin dessert?
There are three distinct layers: a yellow cake base, a smooth pumpkin spice middle, and a crumbly top layer.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the bars.
What type of cake mix is used for the crust?
This recipe uses an 18-ounce package of yellow cake mix as the foundation for both the crust and the topping.
How many eggs do I need for this recipe?
You will need a total of 3 eggs, all of which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
How much pumpkin puree is required?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of canned pumpkin puree.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan.
What size baking pan should I use?
A standard 13x9-inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the crust layer?
Combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one beaten egg. Reserve one cup of this for the topping and press the rest into the bottom of the pan.
How much of the cake mix mixture should be set aside for the topping?
You should reserve exactly one cup of the initial cake mix mixture to create the crumbly topping later.
What ingredients go into the pumpkin filling?
The filling consists of two beaten eggs, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
What kind of milk is used in the filling?
The recipe specifically requires 5 ounces of evaporated milk for the filling layer.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies 16 ounces of canned pumpkin puree, fresh pumpkin puree can generally be substituted in equal measurements.
How is the crumbly topping made?
Mix the reserved cup of cake mix mixture with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long do the pumpkin bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan while sitting on a wire rack before you attempt to cut them.
What is the recommended way to cut the bars?
The instructions suggest cutting them into squares first and then cutting those squares into triangles for serving.
Can these bars be served warm?
Yes, they can be served warm or at room temperature depending on your preference.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Is this recipe appropriate for Thanksgiving?
Yes, these bars are described as perfect for holiday celebrations and Thanksgiving treats.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving in these bars.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
What spices provide the main flavor profile?
The primary flavors come from pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the recipe is noted for being incredibly quick and easy to assemble, making it great for novices.
Can I use different types of butter?
The recipe requires melted butter for the crust and softened butter for the topping for the best texture.
What makes these bars 'decadent'?
The combination of the buttery cake crust, rich pumpkin filling, and sweet crumbly topping creates a luxurious texture and flavor.