These easy pumpkin spice bars have the perfect combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in order to create the ultimate Fall dessert! Not only are they soft and moist, but they require only 9 commonly used pantry ingredients.
These pumpkin bars are very similar to homemade pumpkin cake and classic pumpkin bread, so if you love those desserts, then these bars are for you!
They're soft, moist, tender, and most importantly, has a bold pumpkin flavor. This is one of those recipes where all you need are a few simple ingredients, including both pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree (the stars of this show!), in order to create a new family-favorite recipe.
Looking for even more pumpkin desserts? Then you must check out these: mini pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin shortbread bars, and pumpkin pudding pie.
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Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Spice Bars
- They're perfectly spiced with pumpkin.
- All you need are 8 ingredients.
- They're super moist and tender, yet sturdy.
- You can top them with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or keep them plain.
- They'd be perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert!
I really love pumpkin pie, but if you're looking for a very simple and easy to whip up pumpkin recipe this holiday season, then these bars are it. You can even double the recipe if needed.
These pumpkin spice bars are unlike any others because they're slightly cakey, while also being sturdy. So that means you can eat them with or without a fork. Also, the choice of toppings is totally up to you: frosting, whipped cream, or nothing. Whatever you decide to top them with (or not), they'll be very delicious!
Ingredients Needed
One reason I love these pumpkin bars is that they require so few ingredients that most of us will already have in our pantry. Let's take a look at some of those ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: Unless otherwise stated, I always use all-purpose flour in my recipes.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can either buy this in the store or follow my recipe on how to make your own pumpkin pie spice mix.
- Eggs: Two large eggs are needed at room temperature in order to create soft and sturdy pumpkin bars.
- Oil: You can use either vegetable or canola oil.
- Pumpkin Puree: Libby's pumpkin puree is a great brand to choose (not sponsored, I just really like their product!) and to have stocked in your pantry. I love the flavor and how moist it makes these pumpkin bars.
How To Make Pumpkin Bars
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until thoroughly combined (30-60 seconds).
Step 2: Then whisk in the oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Add the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt and use a rubber spatula to gently fold into the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and bake for 23-28 minutes, using a toothpick to check the middle for doneness.
Expert Baking Tips
- Baking Pan: For this recipe, we will use an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line your pan with parchment paper, creating a "handle" over the sides. This makes it very easy to remove the bars later. Then use non-stick spray over the top of the parchment paper.
- Folding: When we are ready to combine the wet and dry ingredients we will "fold" them together just until you see no more white flour. Folding: This means we carefully combine our ingredients without stirring or beating. We do this with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the ingredients are just combined with each other, “folding” everything together.
- Pumpkin Spice: If you do not have pumpkin pie spice at home, you can easily make your own. Here is how to make homemade pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is not the same as pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree contains just one ingredient: pumpkin, and that is what we want.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: An optional topping is whipped cream. Simply whisk together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract using your electric stand (or handheld) mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
I baked these bars in an 8x8-inch baking pan, but you could also use a 9x9-inch. This recipe can also double easily and so in that case, bake them in a 9x13-inch baking pan (only if you double the recipe).
I personally love these bars with some fresh homemade whipped cream, but you could also top them with cream cheese frosting, maple frosting, or even this simple pumpkin frosting.
Keep any leftover pumpkin spice bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Before baking, you could add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even nuts to the batter. Only add a ½ cup of any of these ingredients.
It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂
Happy Baking!
📖 Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Spice Bars
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a "handle" over the sides, and non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until thoroughly combined (30-60 seconds). Then whisk in the oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt and use a rubber spatula to gently fold into the wet ingredients.
- Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and bake for 23-28 minutes, using a toothpick to check the middle for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then use the parchment paper "handles" to remove the bars from the pan and cool for an additional 30 minutes on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut them into bars (you'll have 9-12 bars depending on how big you cut them). Keep any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.
I made these with the canned pumpkin I had left over after making your pumpkin banana bread recipe one day. The flavor of these bars is heavenly, especially warm out of the oven. Easy five stars.
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Jess!
omg these look amazing! I love pretty much pumpkin anything! Definitely trying these bars- thanks for sharing!
OMGeee These look divine! Going to check my pantry for ingredients. I'm all about pumpkin lately, perhaps it's my fall mood and the leaves changing colorl.
Yes!! I am all about Fall right now. 🙂
Ohhh I so need to try these now that the weather is changing!
Enjoy, Holly!!
Yum! These look delicious! I love everything pumpkin spice so I’m definitely making these this fall!
Hi there, Thanks for sharing. I just happen to have some pumpkin pie spice left and was wondering what I can make to use the last bit. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Esme! Are you asking what kind of dessert you can make with just a little bit of pumpkin pie spice or how to make my recipe for Pumpkin Spice Bars with just a little bit of pumpkin pie spice?