Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars are everything you love about classic pumpkin pie without the stress of making a crust. They’re creamy, warmly spiced, and topped with a buttery cake layer and crunchy pecans.

this recipe

Perfect for fall gatherings, these bars bring all the flavors of Thanksgiving in an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Jump to:

• Pumpkin Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t need to roll out pie dough or worry about blind baking. Just mix the pumpkin base, sprinkle cake mix on top, and bake until golden.

Perfect Fall Dessert
With cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars fill your kitchen with that irresistible autumn aroma. They’re rich, smooth, and full of comforting flavor.

Great for Sharing
A 13x9-inch pan yields plenty of bars to share. They travel well and are easy to slice for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can (29 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package butter recipe golden cake mix (regular size)
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
Whipped topping, optional

Ingredient Tip: Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling already has sugar and spices added, which can affect the texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and all the spices until smooth and well blended. Pour this creamy mixture into an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir it in—keeping the layers separate helps create that signature soft base with a crisp, buttery top.

Step 3: Top with Butter and Pecans
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix so it soaks in evenly. Then sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges will be slightly golden, and your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool for about one hour on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the layers set beautifully. Slice into squares before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars

Keep the Layers Separate
Don’t be tempted to mix the cake layer into the pumpkin base—this dessert relies on that separation for texture.

Make Ahead
These bars are even better the next day, once chilled and set. They’re a great make-ahead option for holidays or special events.

Customize Your Toppings
Drizzle salted caramel sauce, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or top with cinnamon whipped cream for an extra treat.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Pie Bars

Refrigerating: Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer bars to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Freezing: Freeze the cooled bars in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations You’ll Love

Caramel Drizzle: Add a warm salted caramel sauce over chilled bars for an elegant finish.
Coffee Whipped Cream: Blend a touch of espresso powder into whipped cream for a pumpkin spice latte-inspired topping.
Holiday Twist: Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps over the top before baking for extra crunch and spice.

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

If you love pumpkin desserts as much as I do, check out these cozy recipes from Bake With Lina:

Vegan Pumpkin Pie (Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar-Free)
Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Each of these recipes captures the heart of fall baking and offers something special for every kind of pumpkin lover.

Connect and Share

If you bake these Pumpkin Pie Bars, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Pinterest at Bake With Lina and share how they turned out. Your photos and stories make our little baking community so much sweeter.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Pie Bars are the ultimate cozy dessert for fall. They’re rich, spiced just right, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve them after Thanksgiving dinner or alongside your morning coffee, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Happy Baking and enjoy every bite of pumpkin goodness!

Print