These Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are like a soft hug on a plate! With a yummy pumpkin flavor and a creamy filling, they’re perfect for fall.
Trust me, once you take a bite, you might just forget about regular brownies! I love having them with a warm cup of coffee—what a sweet treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your crust. If you want a homemade option, you could make your own cake flour mixture using all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling. If you’re looking for fresh flavors, roast a pie pumpkin and puree it yourself! It adds an extra depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese properly to avoid lumps. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative for similar results.
Spices: The mix of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) gives the bars their warmth. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, or use pumpkin pie spice if you have it—it’s convenient!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Are Perfectly Gooey?
The key to those wonderfully gooey bars is monitoring the baking time. Follow these steps for success:
- Don’t overbake! The center should look slightly jiggly and set, which makes it gooey.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up as they cool.
- If they’re too warm when cutting, they might fall apart. Patience is key!
These simple tips will help you achieve the right texture for your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 45-50 minutes of baking time. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, which will take an additional 30 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before enjoying these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure your bars bake evenly!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg together until you have a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. This will be your delicious crust!
3. Bake the Crust:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes. You want it to be set but not brown. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. It helps to use an electric mixer for this part to avoid lumps!
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Now, add the remaining 2 eggs and granulated sugar to the cream cheese. Beat it all together until combined. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed well—your filling should be smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the Filling:
Carefully pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it covers the entire surface.
7. Bake the Bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should be set and lightly golden, but don’t worry if the center is still a little gooey—it’s meant to be that way!
8. Cool the Bars:
Once they are done baking, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is an important step for the perfect texture!
9. Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a little extra sweetness, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bars for a delightful finishing touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your bars are glazed, cut them into squares and serve them up! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—if there are any leftovers, that is!
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! These sweet treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix for the Crust?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a great flavor, you can use a white cake mix or even spice cake mix for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavors may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Gooey Butter Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap the individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used! Just make sure to cook and puree it before mixing it into the filling. For the best results, roast a sugar pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese to Make This Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese alternative. There are many brands available that will work well and keep the texture creamy. Just make sure to soften it before mixing!