Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix
These easy pumpkin bars with cake mix are a delightful blend of convenience and taste, combining rich pumpkin pie filling with a simple cake mix base for a perfect treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
For the crust mixture
- 1 package cake mix provides structure
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick) adds moisture
- 1 large egg binds ingredients
For the pumpkin filling
- 1 29 oz can pumpkin pie filling rich flavor and moisture
- 1 5 oz can evaporated milk adds creaminess
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice seasoning
- 2 large eggs additional binding
For the streusel topping
- 1 cup crust mixture reserved for texture
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar adds depth of flavor
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon spice notes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Mix until well combined.
- Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the streusel topping later.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and the two large eggs. Whisk together until smooth.
Baking
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the pressed crust.
- Mix the reserved crust mixture with light brown sugar and cinnamon to make the streusel topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and the center is firm yet slightly jiggly.
Cooling
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for an hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for an additional two hours before serving.
Serving
- Cut the cooled pumpkin bars into squares and enjoy.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and ensure to let the bars cool thoroughly before cutting. Experiment with nuts or different spices in the topping as desired.