Perfect Pumpkin Bars
Bursting with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting, these pumpkin bars are the ultimate fall treat—but the secret ingredient will surprise you.
Total time
50 min
Servings
8
Calories
555.7
Category
Desserts
Discover the ultimate fall dessert with these Perfect Pumpkin Bars. Combining the warmth of pumpkin and spice with a buttery crust, this easy recipe is ready in under an hour and ideal for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Makes 8 servings
- 1 eggs
- 1/4 sweetened condensed milk
- 4 solid pack pumpkin
- 1 ground cinnamon
- 1 salt
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix cake mix, oil, 1 egg, nuts.
Press into a greased 13x9" pan.
Stir together pumpkin, condensed milk, almond extract, salt, remaining eggs, and reserved 1/2 cup cake mix.
Pour over crust.
Bake for 40-50 minutes.
Cook's notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the crust.
- Use a high-quality solid pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best texture and taste.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat squares.
Easy swaps
- Instead of 1 eggs (in crust), use 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option
- Instead of sweetened condensed milk, use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative
- Instead of ground cinnamon, use pumpkin pie spice blend for extra depth
Frequently asked
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to roast and puree the pumpkin first. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy texture.
Why is my crust too crumbly?
Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan and that your oil measurement is accurate. Chilling the crust for 10 minutes before baking can also help.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
