Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix

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These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix

Love pumpkin pie but want to make something different for Thanksgiving dessert this year? These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are the perfect choice!

These pumpkin streusel bars feature three delicious layers and are incredibly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients. 

If you want to learn how to make Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix, then keep reading below and check out my Youtube video tutorial over here.

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These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe

Featuring a yellow cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a simple brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are so delicious and easy to make. 

Our family has been making these delicious pumpkin bars with cake mix since my boys were little and they are one of our favorite Fall desserts. 

What you’ll love about pumpkin streusel bars:

  • Better than Pumpkin Pie – Unlike pumpkin pie which is sometimes boring in the flavor department, these pumpkin pie bars are SO delicious and flavorful!
  • Easy to make – These are made with simple ingredients and don’t require dirtying up a ton of dishes. Plus you can even make them the day before!
  • Serves a crowd – These 9×13 pumpkin dessert bars make 24 bars and are great for taking to large gatherings with family and friends. They are the perfect choice for Thanksgiving!
These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix

Ready to learn how to make these delicious and easy pumpkin bars with streusel topping? 

Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe below! I’ve also included all the kitchen tools and ingredients you’ll need, as well as a few helpful baking tips. 

P.S. You can watch the full video tutorial over here! 

Cara’s Tips:

  1. Use 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin – You want to use 100% pure canned pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling which is pre-sweetened.
  2. Check Your Spices for Expiration – For the best flavor possible, make sure your pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are not expired. If in doubt, toss them and grab some new at the grocery store. Trust me, it’s worth it!
  3. Refrigerate Leftover Pumpkin Bars – Store leftover pumpkin bars covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 5 days after baking them.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
Ingredients You’ll Need

1. Prepare Cake Mix Crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and large egg. Use a spatula and mix together until combined.  Set aside roughly 1 cup for the streusel topping.

Use your hands and evenly press the remaining crust mixture into the prepared baking dish.

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

2. Prepare Pumpkin Pie Filling

Next prepare your pumpkin pie filling by combining the canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and large eggs in the large mixing bowl from before.

Use a whisk and stir together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. 

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

Pour evenly over the crust in the pan.

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

3. Prepare Streusel Topping

Lastly, prepare your streusel topping in a medium mixing bowl by combining the reserved 1 cup of crust mixture with light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon and mixing together until it forms a crumbly mixture.

I find it easier to use my hands, but you can use a fork if you prefer. 

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

4. Add Topping and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the pumpkin pie filling layer.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown. 

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

5. Let Cool + Refrigerate

Once removed from the oven, let cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.

Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2 hours. This makes the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut. 

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

7. Cut Bars and Enjoy

Remove from the fridge and use a knife to cut the bars. Serve and enjoy!

These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

Easy Pumpkin Bars Recipe

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Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix

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These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

  • Author: Cara Owens
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Crust

Pumpkin Pie Filling

Streusel Topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and large egg. Use a spatula and mix together until combined.  Set aside roughly 1 cup for the streusel topping. Use your hands and evenly press the remaining crust mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Next prepare your pumpkin pie filling by combining the canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and large eggs in the large mixing bowl from before. Use a whisk and stir together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Pour evenly over the crust in the pan.
  4. Lastly, prepare your streusel topping in a medium mixing bowl by combining the reserved 1 cup of crust mixture with light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon and mixing together until it forms a crumbly mixture. I find it easier to use my hands, but you can use a fork if you prefer. Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the pumpkin pie filling layer.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown. Once removed from the oven, let cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.

  6. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2 hours. This makes the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut. 

  7. Remove from the fridge and use a knife to cut the bars. Serve and enjoy!

YouTube video

Notes

Leftover pumpkin pie bars should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Makes 24 Bars

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A Sweet Reminder to Slow Down and Enjoy

I first made these delightful pumpkin bars in November 2016 when my boys were ages 4 and 6.

Seeing their sweet faces light up as we made them together reminded me of the importance of savoring the present moment. 

Amidst our busy lives, I think it’s easy to rush ahead. This holds especially true during the holidays. 

We unfortunately go through the motions, and we let our minds wander and worry about what’s next on the never-ending to-do lists. 

But in this season my boys are the definition of contentment. 

They don’t rush. They don’t worry about tomorrow. They simply enjoy the here and now. 

Lately I’m learning that the best thing I can do is pause, take a deep breath, and simply be in the moment. 

Because when we slow down, something magical happens. 

We start to notice the beauty that’s right in front of our eyes. Like a wide-eyed child, we learn to see the gift of the present moment. 

We see the beauty in the mundane. We take delight in the little things. 

We remember that life isn’t about anticipating the next big thing.

In the words of my sweet Mamaw Beck, “we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” 

So for now I’m simply going to enjoy these moments, and I challenge you to do the same. 

More Recipes You’ll Love

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make my Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix!

Do you know someone who would love these pumpkin streusel bars? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by! – Cara

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These Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix are better than pumpkin pie and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie filling, and a delicious brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, these pumpkin streusel bars are sure to be an instant Fall baking favorite!

94 Comments

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  13. Wow! These look amazing, what a great idea. I am so challenged when it comes to baking I have never really been talented – but I am for sure trying this for Christmas this year! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  18. I LOVE Streusel topping on basically everything, so this sounds like I would gobble them up within minutes! I’m so glad you had a fun time making them with your kids!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Chelsie! I do too, streusel style desserts are always a good choice in the fall/winter months. 🙂

      Reply

    1. The streusel topping makes this recipe extra delicious! I love cinnamon sugar and mixed with pumpkin it’s even better. 🙂

      Reply

  23. Oh wow, these look amazingly good! I will be making these for sure. I love bar cookies and basically all things “pumpkin”. Looks like a keeper, for sure!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Cait! I love bar recipes too, as it’s so easy to bake them and take them to a family gathering! 🙂

      Reply

  25. These look yummy! I have a similar recipe on my blog called Pumpkin Cake. I actually prefer these types of desserts to actual pumpkin pie because they have more texture and flavor. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

    1. Thanks! I’ll have to check your recipe out too! And I agree, these types of recipes appeal to me more than regular pumpkin pie- they’re more flavorful! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thank-you! You could probably substitute the pumpkin with sweet potato if that’s more of your forte! 🙂

      Reply

  32. We got to eat this at our Thanksgiving dinner and Cara you did a great job. Love you and thanks for making such a great desert.



    Reply

  33. I love anything pumpkin, so this looks amazing! I may save this for Thanksgiving – because this would be a big hit with the family.

    Reply

  34. These look yummy – and simple! I’ve got some canned pumpkin and need to make something with it!

    Reply

  35. Those pumpkin bars look yummy! I agree about living in the moment and enjoying the small things in life like kid do. Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tanya! They always remind me of what’s truly important, and it’s good to remember to slow down during the rush of the holiday season. Hope you have a great week with your family! 🙂

      Reply

  37. Yummy! These look so good!
    And I love that your boys helped make these. It’s all about living in the moment…sometimes it’s difficult not to worry about the future, but you are so right.
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

    Reply

    1. Thanks Lily! I tend to be a worrier by nature, but they’re helping me realize it’s all about focusing on the present and not worrying about what’s up next. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 🙂

      Reply

  38. Whoa! These look amazing! I wish I had some to eat with breakfast! 🙂 I love dessert with my breakfast.

    Reply

    1. Normally I’m not a huge pumpkin fan either, but these are so good! The cinnamon sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the pumpkin flavor. 🙂

      Reply

  42. I like the thickness of these and how the pumpkin is thick and creamy vice pudding in viscosity. Thanks for sharing and pinned it too 🙂

    Reply

  44. This looks deliciously festive! I love that you made this with the kiddos and I can’t wait to make fun things with mine soon 🙂

    Reply

    1. It’ll be so fun, Nadine! You’ll have a blast once yours starts eating baby food and you get to witness them trying different flavors for the first time. It will be both awesome and comical all at once lol. I’ll never forget the face mine made when they tried peas.

      Reply

  45. Awe Cara, you are such a good mommy! I love stepping back during those ‘normal’ routines and just reflecting on how thankful I am. My toddler and little one are finally starting to interact more, and I swear my heart is close to bursting when I see them together! On a side note (why I really am commenting) is to say these bars look amazing!!! I love the crunchy top and pumpkin anything is my FAV!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Chrissa, you’re so sweet! It really is an awesome thing to witness when they start interacting with each other! And thank-you these bars are pretty delish! 🙂

      Reply

  46. These look delicious! Your pictures are great and the recipe is very detailed. I’ll definitely be trying these, I’m sucker for both pumpkin and cinnamon.. Putting them together is like my dream come true. Thanks!

    Reply

  47. These look delicious, fantastic for Thanks Giving. How lovely to make them with little ones, it’s great to get them int cooking when they’re little!

    Reply

  48. These look so delicious! Pinned! I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving day with your wonderful family. See you next Monday girl!

    Reply

  49. You are speaking my pumpkin love language girl! These look incredible and I love that the boys helped to make them! Great way to kick off the Thanksgiving week! Hope your day is spectacular!

    Reply

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