Ultimate Pumpkin Gooey Bars with Cream Cheese Filling
When fall baking season arrives, nothing satisfies quite like these Pumpkin Gooey Bars. Soft, buttery, and irresistibly rich, this dessert combines a tender cake-mix base with a luxuriously creamy pumpkin filling infused with warm spices. Every bite delivers that nostalgic autumn flavor we all crave — comforting, cozy, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming.
This recipe is especially loved because it uses simple pantry staples and comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like something straight from a high-end bakery. The contrast between the dense base layer and the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin cream cheese topping makes these bars unforgettable and ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients & Their Purpose
Base Layer
- 1 (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Forms a soft yet sturdy foundation with built-in sweetness.
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled – Adds richness and moisture while binding the base together.
- 1 egg – Helps set the base and gives it structure.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – Creates a smooth, tangy, cheesecake-like texture.
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and classic pumpkin flavor.
- 3 eggs – Give the filling structure while keeping it creamy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spices.
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled – Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling while keeping it ultra-smooth.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – Brings warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base layer. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until fully incorporated and thick.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, even layer.
- Make the filling. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, mixing until the filling is silky and lump-free.
- Pour the filling evenly over the base layer and spread gently with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
- Cool completely before slicing. For best texture, chill for at least 1 hour.
Why Everyone Loves These Pumpkin Gooey Bars
These bars are the ultimate fall dessert because they strike the perfect balance between rich, creamy, and warmly spiced. The gooey center stays soft for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking. They’re easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Perfect Results
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Do not overbake — a slightly soft center is key to the gooey texture.
- Line the pan with parchment for effortless removal.
- Chill before cutting for clean, professional slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Pumpkin Gooey Bars chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. They pair beautifully with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall with minimal effort, these Pumpkin Gooey Bars are unbeatable. Rich, creamy, warmly spiced, and incredibly easy to make, they’re the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests and disappears fast. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and guaranteed comfort — this is pumpkin dessert perfection.