Quick & Sweet Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe for Fall Baking Joy

Pumpkin gooey bars combine the ultimate autumn flavors in a decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet and spicy notes dance across your palate with each rich, creamy bite.

Layers of velvety pumpkin filling nestled between buttery, crumbly crusts create a textural symphony that elevates seasonal baking.

The magic happens when traditional ingredients upgrade into something extraordinary through careful technique and thoughtful preparation.

Warm spices and silky pumpkin merge seamlessly, offering a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Crumbly base and smooth filling provide contrasting textures that make each slice irresistible.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing treat that screams comfort and celebration.

Pumpkin Gooey Bars That Melt in Your Mouth

• Effortless Fall Flavor Fusion: These pumpkin gooey bars blend the warmth of spice cake with creamy pumpkin layers, creating a delightful dessert that captures autumn's essence in every bite.
• Textural Triumph: The recipe offers a perfect contrast between the dense, slightly crumbly spice cake base and the silky, smooth pumpkin cream cheese topping, delivering a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Magic: With simple preparation steps and a convenient chilling process, these bars are ideal for stress-free entertaining, allowing you to prepare them hours in advance and serve a stunning dessert with minimal last-minute effort.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the spice cake layer.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise and become light and tender.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice flavor to the base.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy texture for the topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps smooth the pumpkin mixture.
• Egg: Binds the pumpkin layer and provides structure.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds classic fall flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall depth of flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm, traditional pumpkin flavor.

• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
• Sugar: Sweetens the base layer.
• Egg Yolk: Contributes to the crust's texture and richness.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional Garnish): Provides a decorative and sweet finish.

How to Bake Pumpkin Gooey Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper covers the bottom and sides completely. Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 2: Create Spice Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolk
• Melted butter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick batter forms. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, pressing carefully into all corners.

Step 3: Whip Up Pumpkin Cream Layer

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar

• Whole egg
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice

Continue mixing until the mixture looks creamy and consistent.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the pumpkin cream over the spice cake base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Slide the pan into the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are firm but center remains slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool and Rest

Remove pan from oven and let it cool on a wire rack for one hour. Transfer to refrigerator and chill uncovered for 3-4 hours until completely set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar using a fine sifter for extra elegance.

Pro Tips for Ultra-Gooey Pumpkin Bars

• Prep Like a Pro: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent texture in both cake and pumpkin layers.
• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbaking by checking the bars at 25 minutes; the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
• Slice with Precision: Chill bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the recipe to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Storage Secret: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

Store and Serve Pumpkin Gooey Bars Without the Mess

• Refrigerate: Seal bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper between each bar to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their soft, gooey texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the dessert.

Pumpkin Gooey Bar Pairings That Work

• Brew a Perfect Autumn Companion: Pair these gooey pumpkin bars with a warm, spiced chai latte that echoes the rich pumpkin pie spices in the dessert.
• Complement with Creamy Coffee: A smooth vanilla latte or caramel macchiato will enhance the bar's sweet, creamy texture and complement its warm spice profile.
• Match with Nutty Beverage Twist: Serve alongside a hazelnut or almond milk hot chocolate to create a cozy, indulgent dessert experience that highlights the bar's warm, comforting flavors.
• Unexpected Drink Pairing: Try a crisp, chilled apple cider to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet pumpkin bars.

Flavor Swaps for Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• Autumn Maple Magic: Replace pumpkin puree with maple syrup and add chopped pecans for a rich, nutty flavor profile that captures woodland autumn essence.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl: Mix dark chocolate chips into the pumpkin layer and create elegant chocolate swirls before baking for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
• Cream Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle a streusel topping made from graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cold butter over the pumpkin layer before baking for extra crunch and caramelized texture.
• Spiced Chai Version: Substitute pumpkin pie spice with chai spice blend and add a touch of cardamom for an aromatic, warming alternative that elevates the classic recipe.

Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gooey pumpkin bars blend classic autumn spices with rich cream cheese in a luxurious dessert. Creamy layers and buttery graham cracker crust create an irresistible treat you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (160g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
• 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (114g)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and warming the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Create the foundational spice cake layer by whisking dry ingredients separately from wet components. Combine sugar, egg yolk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl until uniform. Gradually fold in flour mixture, ensuring thorough integration and maintaining a consistent texture.
3. Gently press the cake batter into the prepared pan, meticulously spreading to cover all corners with an even layer.
4. Craft the pumpkin cream layer using an electric mixer. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, gradually incorporating egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
5. Delicately cascade the pumpkin mixture over the spice cake foundation, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
6. Slide the pan into the oven’s center, baking for 25-30 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight wobble in the central region.
7. Extract from oven and allow natural cooling on a wire rack for approximately one hour.
8. Transfer to refrigerator, leaving uncovered, and chill for 3-4 hours to achieve optimal setting.
9. Slice into precise squares using a clean, sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for crisp edges.
10. Optional: Dust with a gentle veil of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Perfectly line your baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of these decadent bars.
• Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, even spice cake base that provides a sturdy foundation.
• Beat cream cheese mixture until silky and completely smooth, which guarantees a creamy, luxurious pumpkin layer without any unwanted chunks.
• Watch baking time carefully – edges should be set while center remains slightly jiggly to achieve the signature gooey texture.
• Chill bars completely in the refrigerator to help them set and develop deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
• Clean knife between cuts for picture-perfect, professional-looking dessert squares that are sure to impress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg