Pumpkin Pie Bars with Cake Mix | Quick Dessert Idea

Pumpkin pie bars is the dessert I always turn to when I want the taste of classic pumpkin pie without the work of rolling out crust. 

This easy pumpkin pie bar recipe has the same creamy filling you know and love, baked over a buttery graham cracker crust that holds together beautifully.

I love how simple it is to make and how easily it slices into perfect squares for sharing. Whether you’re serving pumpkin pie bars with shortbread crust at Thanksgiving, trying a version with cake mix for a shortcut, or keeping it light with pumpkin pie bars with no crust, this treat never disappoints. 

It’s a cozy fall favorite that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day to prepare.

Why Love These Pumpkin Pie Bars?

I love baking desserts that feel festive but don’t require me to spend all day in the kitchen. These bars do exactly that. 

The crust comes together in minutes, the filling is smooth and creamy, and once they’re baked, you can chill and slice them into perfect squares. 

They’re ideal for Thanksgiving dessert tables, casual potlucks, or even just a weekday treat with coffee.

Pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin spice, and a mix of brown and white sugar give the filling a deep, cozy flavor. Pair that with the buttery crust, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like a shortcut pumpkin pie but feels even more fun to serve.

History and Origin of Pumpkin Pie Desserts

Pumpkin desserts have a long history in American cooking. Pumpkin pie itself has been a holiday favorite since the 1600s, when early settlers used pumpkins in both savory and sweet dishes. 

Over time, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were added, creating the pumpkin spice flavor we all know.

Pumpkin pie bars are a more modern take, inspired by bakers who wanted the classic flavor in a simpler format. Instead of rolling and crimping dough, a crust is pressed into a pan, topped with the filling, then baked and sliced. 

Think of them as pumpkin pie’s laid-back cousin—perfect for feeding a crowd without extra fuss.

Recipe Overview

These Pumpkin Pie Bars are easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 16 bars
• Calories: ~220 per serving

Ingredients

For The Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar

For The Filling

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   • Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the crust
   • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture looks like wet sand.
   • Press it evenly into the bottom of your pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it firmly so it holds together after baking.
3. Mix the filling
   • In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
   • Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in milk until combined.
4. Bake the bars
   • Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
   • Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean.
5. Cool and chill
   • Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.

My Secret Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars

• Crust Variations: Try using crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers. Each adds a slightly different flavor.
• Dairy Options: Swap milk for evaporated milk or half-and-half for a creamier filling.
• Storage: Keep bars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste even better the next day.
• Make Ahead: Bake the bars a day before serving. Chill overnight, slice the next day, and you’ll have a stress-free dessert ready to go.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust: Swap graham crackers for a buttery shortbread base.
• Pumpkin Pie Bars No Crust: Pour the filling directly into a greased pan for a lighter version.
• Pumpkin Pie Bars with Cake Mix: Use yellow cake mix for a quick crust or topping.
• Pumpkin Pie Bars with Oatmeal Crust: Add oats and brown sugar for a crumbly, rustic flavor.
• Toppings: Add whipped cream, cream cheese frosting swirls, or a sprinkle of pumpkin crumble bars on top.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent cracks in the filling – Don’t overbake. Pull the bars out when the center is just set. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Smooth filling every time – Whisk the eggs in gently and avoid overmixing. Too much air can cause bubbles and uneven texture.
• Even crust – Press the crust with steady pressure across the whole pan so one side isn’t thicker than the other.
• Avoid soggy crust – Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling if you like it extra firm.
• Clean slices – Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wipe between cuts, and you’ll get bakery-style bars.
• If the bars are too soft – Chill them longer. Pumpkin desserts need time in the fridge to fully set.
• If the crust crumbles – Next time, add a little more melted butter to bind the crumbs together.

Helpful Guides for Beginners

If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—these simple tips will make the process smooth and stress-free:

• Read the recipe first – Go through the whole recipe before you start. It helps you understand the steps and avoid surprises.
• Measure ingredients correctly – Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients. Level off flour with a flat edge to avoid adding too much.
• Room temperature ingredients – Butter, eggs, and milk mix more evenly when they’re not straight from the fridge.
• Don’t rush the crust – Press the crust firmly into the pan so it holds together after baking. A spoon or the bottom of a glass works perfectly.
• Check doneness early – Ovens vary. Start checking your bars or pies a few minutes before the recipe’s bake time ends.
• Let it cool – Desserts like pumpkin pie bars need time to set. Cooling and chilling make slicing neat and easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Video Tutorial

Conclusion

Pumpkin pie bars is a recipe that never lets me down. It’s simple, flexible, and always hits that balance of spiced pumpkin filling with a sturdy crust.

From pumpkin pie bars with shortbread crust for a buttery bite, pumpkin pie bars with no crust for a lighter feel, or even pumpkin pie bars with cake mix when time is short, this dessert adapts to your kitchen and schedule. 

Easy pumpkin pie bars are a perfect way to add warmth to your table, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy evening treat.

More Delicious Recipes

Magical Food Mixer Bread Recipe

Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Recipe

Butter Chicken Moussaka Recipe

Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe

Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe