Description
Delight in these Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars, a perfect blend of spiced cake base and creamy pumpkin cream cheese topping. These bars are irresistibly soft, flavorful, and perfect for fall gatherings or cozy dessert treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 box confectioners’ sugar (about 1 lb), plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Base: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, 1 large egg, and melted butter using a rubber spatula. Mix until completely combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In another large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and additional butter until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and pumpkin pie spice until the filling is smooth and combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly for that gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top generously with confectioners’ sugar and cut into 20 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for that signature gooey texture.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin puree if fresh pumpkin is not available.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 20 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
