Some desserts are so simple yet so satisfying, they feel like a little piece of kitchen magic. Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are exactly that—a 2-ingredient dessert hack that transforms pantry staples into a moist, fluffy, fall-ready treat. Whether you’re planning a cozy family night, looking for a quick potluck recipe, or need a make-ahead option for Thanksgiving, these bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix about 15.25 oz
- 1 can pumpkin purée 15 oz; not pumpkin pie filling
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice optional, for enhanced flavor
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting optional, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix and pumpkin purée until smooth. No eggs, oil, or water needed.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Optional: Mix cream cheese frosting with ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, then spread over the cooled bars.
- Slice into 24 squares and serve. Add festive sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Why Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix Are Worth Making
A Cozy Shortcut with Big Payoff
Pumpkin Dessert Recipes often mean roasting pumpkins, measuring out flour, or fussing with spices. Not this time. With Cake Mix Baking Shortcuts, all you need is a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin purée. That’s it. No eggs, no oil, no fuss—just two ingredients that create a dessert so moist and fluffy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them every fall.
Perfect for Busy Holidays
Holiday kitchens can be chaotic—turkey in the oven, casseroles on standby, rolls rising on the counter. That’s when 2-Ingredient Dessert Hacks shine. These pumpkin bars can be baked in advance, stored for days, and frosted at the last minute. They’re the ultimate Make-Ahead Pumpkin Recipe, saving you time and stress during the holidays.
A Festive Twist Beyond Pie
Pumpkin pie is classic, but it isn’t the only way to celebrate fall flavors. Easy Fall Desserts like these bars bring a fresh alternative to your Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas. They’re portable, cut neatly into squares, and pair beautifully with a tub of cream cheese frosting for Frosted Pumpkin Bars that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
- Spice Cake Mix: The backbone of this recipe, giving you all the warm fall flavors without the measuring spoons. If you can’t find spice cake, use yellow cake mix and add 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
- Pumpkin Purée (15 oz can): Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The purée adds moisture and that signature pumpkin taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon (optional): A little extra spice deepens the flavor. Totally optional but highly recommended.
- Cream Cheese Frosting (optional): Frosted Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You can use homemade frosting or a tub for ease.
Budget-Friendly Baking Tip: Buy cake mix in bulk when it’s on sale. You’ll save money and always have a base for quick, seasonal desserts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the box of spice cake mix and the can of pumpkin purée. Stir until smooth. No extra eggs, oil, or water are needed—the pumpkin handles it all.
3. Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This prevents the frosting from melting if you choose to add it.
5. Frost (Optional)
In a bowl, stir together cream cheese frosting with ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Spread over cooled bars for a spiced, indulgent finish.
6. Slice & Serve
Cut into 24 squares for a crowd, or 16 larger pieces if you’re feeling generous. Serve as is or add festive sprinkles for Halloween and Fall Party Treats.
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
- Thicker Bars: Use an 8×8-inch pan and bake for 25 minutes.
- Frosting Fun: Try maple buttercream or cinnamon glaze instead of cream cheese.
- Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries.
- Storage: Keep unfrosted bars at room temp for up to 3 days. Frosted bars should be refrigerated.
- Make-Ahead Pumpkin Recipe: Bake and freeze bars unfrosted. Thaw and frost before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Place them on a holiday platter alongside treats like Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Balls and Pecan Pie Balls for a dessert tray that screams fall festivity.
FAQs About Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Yellow cake mix with added pumpkin pie spice works beautifully. Chocolate cake mix turns this into a rich, brownie-like pumpkin dessert.
2. Do I need eggs or oil in the recipe?
Nope. The pumpkin purée provides both moisture and binding power, so you don’t need extra ingredients. That’s the beauty of this 2-ingredient dessert hack.
3. How do I keep the bars moist?
Pumpkin already ensures a soft, moist texture. Just avoid over-baking, and store them in an airtight container once cooled.
4. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely. These are perfect Make-Ahead Pumpkin Recipes. Bake, cool, and freeze them unfrosted. Frost and serve when you’re ready to celebrate.
Bringing Pumpkin Magic to Your Fall Table
For me, Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are more than just an easy dessert—they’re a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a bustling fall party, or preparing your Thanksgiving dessert table, these bars check every box: quick, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. If you love seasonal sweets, you might also enjoy trying Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Balls or Pecan Pie Balls for your holiday spread. And don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends on Pinterest or Facebook so everyone can join in the fall baking fun. 🍂