Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars are the perfect fall dessert with a soft crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and warm spices. Easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Pumpkin season always inspires me to bake something cozy that fills the house with that unmistakable autumn smell. These Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars came about when I wanted an easy dessert that had all the flavor of pumpkin pie but with a chewy, soft texture. The first time I made them, my kitchen smelled like a mix of cinnamon and butter, and everyone was waiting by the oven before they were even done.
What I love most about these bars is how simple they are to put together. They start with a cake mix, but you would never guess it from the taste. The creamy, spiced filling melts into the crust, giving you a rich, gooey bite that feels like fall in every mouthful. It is the kind of dessert you make once and then crave again before the week is over.
My family absolutely loves them. My husband said they taste like a pumpkin cheesecake crossed with a blondie, and my daughter asked if we could pack one in her lunch the next day. These bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want something sweet that feels homemade but does not take all day.
Questions You May Have About This Recipe
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They store well in the refrigerator for up to four days and taste even better the next day.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Let them cool completely, cut into bars, and freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sugar and spices.
Can I use a different cake mix?
You can. A spice cake mix works beautifully, but yellow or white cake mix also gives a nice balance.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
What You Need to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars
For the Crust
1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
½ cup butter, melted
1 egg
For the Filling
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 bag (16 ounces) powdered sugar
½ cup butter, melted
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until dough forms. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly soft.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips
For a creamier texture, do not overbake. The center should stay a little gooey.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the filling fresh.
Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
These bars taste great chilled or at room temperature.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These bars are heavenly. Everyone asked for the recipe at our church bake sale.” Karen S.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to make and the flavor is perfect. I added a bit of extra spice and it was wonderful.” Denise L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Soft, gooey, and full of pumpkin flavor. My new favorite fall dessert.” Cheryl G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and rich. A small piece goes a long way. Great with coffee.” Elaine T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made these for Thanksgiving and they disappeared before the pie. Huge hit with my family.” Patricia N.
Printable Recipe
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Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars
Soft, creamy, and full of fall flavor, these Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars combine the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a rich, buttery crust.
Ingredients
- For the Crust
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- For the Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 bag (16 ounces) powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until dough forms. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
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