Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Picture this: warm autumn spices dancing with rich pumpkin flavors in every single bite. These spice cake mix pumpkin bars are pure magic in dessert form – soft, moist, and bursting with fall goodness.

What makes them even more special? They’re incredibly easy to whip up using a simple cake mix shortcut! Just like our popular chocolate chip pumpkin bread, these bars prove that homemade doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

What Are Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars?

Ever wondered why these treats have such a mouthwatering name? Well, it’s pretty straightforward – we’re taking a boxed spice cake mix and transforming it into irresistible pumpkin bars! Think of it as fall’s answer to brownies, but with that cozy pumpkin spice flavor we all crave.

After all, they say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these bars are definitely heart-winners! Ready to fall in love with your new favorite autumn dessert?

Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars:

Budget-Friendly Fall Baking

Making these spice cake mix pumpkin bars at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. A single box of cake mix plus pantry staples creates enough bars to feed a crowd or stock your freezer for weeks.

Rich, Moist Texture That Melts in Your Mouth

The combination of pumpkin puree and cake mix creates incredibly tender bars with the perfect amount of moisture. Each bite delivers warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger notes that complement the earthy pumpkin beautifully.

Versatile Topping Options

Crown these bars with classic cream cheese frosting, a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Just like our beloved carrot cake bars, the topping possibilities are endless and each one adds its own special touch.

Ready to create some kitchen magic? Let’s get baking!

How to Make Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars:

Quick Overview

These spice cake mix pumpkin bars are incredibly simple to make. The cake mix does most of the work for you. You’ll love how moist and flavorful they turn out. The rich pumpkin flavor shines through every bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars

Key Ingredients for Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water

For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spice cake mix, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This extra flour helps create the perfect bar texture instead of a cake-like consistency.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps in the pumpkin mixture.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting. This takes about 2 hours but ensures clean cuts and proper texture.

Step 7: Make the Frosting (Optional)

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve. Store covered in the refrigerator.

What to Serve Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars With:

These versatile bars pair beautifully with hot beverages like spiced chai lattes, pumpkin spice coffee, or warm apple cider. For a dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Consider creating a fall dessert table with apple crisp, pecan pie, or our famous cinnamon roll cookies. The warm spice flavors complement each other perfectly.

For a casual gathering, serve with hot chocolate or caramel apple dip for an extra indulgent treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Bring eggs to room temperature for better mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even texture.

Don’t Overbake

These bars continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

Add Extra Spices

Boost the fall flavor by adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of ground cloves to the cake mix.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor, or use applesauce for a lighter version. Greek yogurt works too!

Line Your Pan Properly

Parchment paper with overhang makes removal foolproof. Grease the paper lightly to prevent sticking.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Room Temperature Storage

Store unfrosted bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.

Refrigerator Storage

Frosted bars should be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires cold storage for food safety.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap individual unfrosted bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Tips

Warm unfrosted bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste. Avoid heating frosted bars as the frosting will melt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Use 1 cup of fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s well-drained and not watery, or your bars might be too moist.

What if I don’t have spice cake mix?

Substitute yellow cake mix and add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter substitute in the frosting, or skip frosting entirely and dust with powdered sugar.

How do I know when the bars are done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will start pulling away slightly from the pan.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a large sheet pan (18×13 inches) and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra clean lines, chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Bar (without frosting)
Calories	145
Total Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	18mg
Sodium	185mg
Total Carbs	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	35% DV

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Pro Baker Secrets for Extra Special Bars:

Create Swirled Bars

Before baking, drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of batter and swirl with a knife for marbled bars.

Add Texture Elements

Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or butterscotch chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free spice cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.

Seasonal Variations

Try different cake mix flavors – yellow cake with pumpkin pie spice, or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist.

These spice cake mix pumpkin bars prove that the best recipes are often the simplest ones. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff, they’re destined to become your go-to fall dessert. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating your family, these bars deliver that perfect balance of convenience and homemade goodness that makes everyone ask for the recipe!

Remember to pin this recipe for easy access during pumpkin season, and don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful bars – we love seeing your baking successes!