Ruth's Decadent Pumpkin Dessert Bars
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with Ruth's Decadent Pumpkin Dessert Bars—a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. This delightful dessert combines a buttery cake bottom with a rich, spiced pumpkin filling, all topped with a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a comforting, homemade dessert, these bars develop an even more profound flavor when left to meld overnight. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible experience.
N/A
Servings
281
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
18 ounces (reserve 1 cup for topping)
margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
egg
1 (beaten)
pumpkin puree
2 cups (canned or fresh)
milk
2/3 cup (none)
eggs
2 (none)
pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
reserved yellow cake mix
1 cup (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
margarine for topping
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
Prepare Bottom Crust: Set aside 1 cup of the yellow cake mix for later use. In a large bowl, combine the remaining cake mix with the melted margarine and beaten egg until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan and prick the crust with a fork. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
3
Prepare Filling: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, two eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar. Mix well until the filling is smooth and uniformly blended. Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust.
4
Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the reserved 1 cup of cake mix, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of margarine using a fork until the topping becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling.
5
Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
6
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
39g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pumpkin dessert?
The recipe is for Ruth's Decadent Pumpkin Dessert Bars.
What are the three main layers of these bars?
The bars consist of a buttery cake bottom, a rich spiced pumpkin filling, and a sweet crumbly topping.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is required.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
The 9x13-inch baking pan should be greased before adding the crust.
What type of cake mix is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for an 18-ounce package of yellow cake mix.
How much cake mix should be reserved for the topping?
You should set aside 1 cup of the yellow cake mix for the topping.
What ingredients are needed for the bottom crust?
The crust is made from yellow cake mix (minus the reserved cup), melted margarine, and one beaten egg.
How long do I pre-bake the crust?
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it is lightly browned.
Why should I prick the crust with a fork?
Pricking the crust helps it bake evenly and prevents it from bubbling up.
Can I use fresh pumpkin for the filling?
Yes, you can use either canned or fresh pumpkin puree.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The filling requires two eggs.
What spices are used in the pumpkin filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
How much brown sugar is needed for the filling?
The filling uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of milk is used in the pumpkin mixture?
The recipe specifies 2/3 cup of milk.
What ingredients make up the crumbly topping?
The topping consists of reserved cake mix, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and margarine.
How much margarine is used specifically for the topping?
1/4 cup of margarine is used for the topping.
What is the total baking time after adding the filling?
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden.
How long should the bars cool before serving?
The bars should cool completely in the pan before being refrigerated.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the bars overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and develop a more profound taste.
What are the suggested serving accompaniments?
Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 281 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of these dessert bars?
Each serving contains about 12.5g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in a bar?
There are 2.8g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 39g of carbohydrates.
Is there any fiber in these pumpkin bars?
Yes, there is approximately 1.25g of fiber per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall recipe and perfect for holiday baking.
How do I mix the margarine into the topping?
Use a fork to mix the ingredients until the topping becomes crumbly.