Magical Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe for Sweet Fall Moments

Sweet autumn days call for delectable pumpkin gooey bars that melt in your mouth with rich, creamy goodness.

These decadent treats blend classic fall flavors into an irresistible dessert that screams comfort.

Layers of buttery graham cracker crust merge seamlessly with a silky pumpkin filling that promises pure indulgence.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each bite, creating a sensational experience.

The gooey texture makes these bars stand out from traditional pumpkin desserts, offering a luxurious twist on a seasonal favorite.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in no time.

Dive into a slice of autumn bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the spice cake, providing structure and tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Creates a light, airy texture that helps the base rise beautifully.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp texture.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Provides moisture and a rich, decadent flavor to the base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the luscious pumpkin topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky, spreadable texture.
• Egg: Binds the mixture and adds structure to the creamy layer.
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers authentic autumn flavor and vibrant orange color.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor and adds a subtle aromatic touch.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings classic fall warmth with a blend of cozy spices.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional dusting that adds a festive, elegant look to the bars.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of the dessert.

Gear Needed for Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating evenly sized gooey bars.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cake and pumpkin layers.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding and incorporating cake batter.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps create creamy pumpkin layer.
• Paddle attachment: Ideal for mixing cream cheese mixture.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bars to cool evenly at room temperature.
• Large sharp knife: Ensures clean, precise bar cutting.
• Fine mesh strainer: Optional for dusting powdered sugar.

How to Bake Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• Cozy Baking Prep

Grab your baking equipment and line a square pan with parchment paper. Warm up your oven to create the perfect baking environment.

• Spice Cake Base

Mix flour with warming spices and create a soft, buttery foundation. Gently press the delicate batter into every corner of the pan, ensuring a smooth surface.

• Creamy Pumpkin Magic

Whip cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture. Fold in rich pumpkin and aromatic spices, creating a luscious layer that will melt in your mouth.

• Layered Comfort

Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the spice cake base. Slide the pan into the oven and let the magic happen, watching the edges set while the center remains slightly soft.

• Patience and Perfection

Allow the bars to cool slowly, first at room temperature, then in the refrigerator. This waiting game ensures the perfect texture and flavor development.

• Serving Delight

Slice the bars with a clean knife, creating picture-perfect squares. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness and elegance.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Gooey Bars

• Adjust the gooey factor by varying the baking time – less time means more gooey, while extra minutes will create firmer bars with a denser consistency.
• Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ground ginger to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the pumpkin layer.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising the rich, creamy texture of the bars.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, creating a make-ahead dessert that's perfect for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans, candied walnuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top to add extra crunch and elevate the visual and flavor experience of these decadent bars.

Serving Pumpkin Gooey Bars Warm or Chilled

• Autumn Dessert Companion: Pair these gooey bars with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or creamy chai latte for a cozy seasonal experience.
• Festive Garnish Delight: Sprinkle crushed candied pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top to elevate the visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.
• Celebration Presentation: Serve on a rustic wooden board with small decorative seasonal napkins, creating an Instagram-worthy dessert spread that captures fall's warmth and charm.
• Temperature Pleasure: Enjoy slightly chilled from the refrigerator or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to experience a softer, more luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Store Pumpkin Gooey Bars for Later

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store these gooey bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping their creamy texture perfectly intact.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while maintaining maximum deliciousness.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for 2-3 weeks, perfect for surprise dessert emergencies.
• Serving Temperature Secrets: Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing their rich, velvety texture and allowing the flavors to bloom at room temperature.

Sinful Pumpkin Gooey Bars

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pumpkin gooey bars deliver classic autumn comfort with layered graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling. Rich spices and sweet pumpkin create irresistible dessert bars you cannot stop eating.

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Ingredients

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• 1½ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 6 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (114g) pure pumpkin puree
• 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1¼ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cake Base: Blend sugar, egg yolk, and melted butter until smooth. Incorporate flour mixture, folding gently to create a uniform batter. Press evenly into prepared pan, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Pumpkin Cream Layer: Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Gradually add egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
4. Assembly and Baking: Pour pumpkin mixture over cake base, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake in oven center for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and slight central wobble.
5. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for one hour. Refrigerate uncovered for 3-4 hours to ensure complete setting.
6. Finishing: Slice into precise squares with a clean knife, wiping blade between cuts. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking pan meticulously with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal and clean slicing.
• Temperature Matters: Keep oven precisely at 350°F to guarantee even baking and prevent over-browning of delicate layers.
• Texture Tip: Mix cake batter gently to avoid tough texture; fold ingredients until just combined for a tender, light base.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate bars for minimum 3-4 hours to allow complete setting and develop rich, decadent flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg