Description of this recipe Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, infusing the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice into a rich, decadent dessert. These bars boast a buttery, slightly chewy crust topped with a creamy, pumpkin-infused filling that’s both sweet and subtly spiced. The combination of textures and flavors makes them an irresistible treat, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a taste of autumn.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars because they offer the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. The buttery crust provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious, gooey pumpkin filling. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the earthy notes of pumpkin. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars capture the essence of fall in every bite. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert that will impress friends and family. Additionally, their unique texture and flavor profile set them apart from traditional desserts, ensuring they’ll be a memorable addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 package yellow cake mix 1 egg ½ cup melted butter
For the Filling:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup melted butter 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the bars bake evenly without burning the crust or leaving the filling too soft. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes them easy to remove once cooled. Using parchment paper is a great way to ensure the bars lift out cleanly, making slicing and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and ½ cup of melted butter. The melted butter helps to bind the cake mix and egg together, creating a soft, pliable dough. Mix well until the dough is evenly combined, forming a cohesive mixture that holds its shape. This crust is meant to be simple and slightly dense, providing a sturdy base for the gooey filling.
Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread the dough uniformly across the pan. Ensure there are no thin spots, as this will help prevent the filling from seeping through. The goal is to create a smooth, even layer that acts as the foundation for the pumpkin filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling In another mixing bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree and softened cream cheese until smooth. It’s crucial to ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid any lumps in the filling. The mixture should be creamy and well-combined, with no visible streaks of cream cheese. This step sets the stage for the rich, decadent filling that defines these bars.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Butter Add the remaining 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of melted butter to the pumpkin mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The eggs contribute to the filling’s structure and richness, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. The melted butter adds moisture and helps create a smooth, luxurious texture.
Step 6: Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Spices Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth. Adding the powdered sugar gradually prevents it from creating a dusty mess and ensures it’s evenly distributed. The cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the filling with warm, aromatic spices, capturing the essence of fall.
Step 7: Pour Filling over Crust Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cake mixture in the pan, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the filling covers the entire crust, reaching all corners and edges. An even layer of filling guarantees that each bar will have the perfect balance of crust and filling.
Step 8: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center is slightly wobbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on the bars. The edges should be golden brown and set, while the center should still have a slight jiggle. This indicates that the filling is cooked through but still retains its gooey texture.
Step 9: Cool and Slice Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing into bars. Cooling the bars completely is crucial for the filling to set properly. Slicing them while still warm can result in a messy, gooey dessert that’s difficult to handle. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares.
Step 10: Serve Serve and enjoy your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars. These bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant holiday dinners.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They pair well with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped pecans. These bars are also delicious with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them a perfect addition to any fall-themed brunch or dessert spread.
Tips:
Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling. Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal. Cool the bars completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40-50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.) Calories: Approximately 350-400 per bar Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams per bar Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg per bar
Conclusion
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With their buttery crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and warm spices, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They offer a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, making them a memorable addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars.
write 5 questions and answers about this recipe
Question 1: Can I use a different type of cake mix for the crust? Answer: While the recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like spice cake mix or even vanilla cake mix. Keep in mind that changing the cake mix will alter the overall flavor profile of the bars, so choose a flavor that complements the pumpkin filling. Spice cake mix, in particular, can enhance the warm, spiced notes of the dessert.
Question 2: Can I make these bars ahead of time? Answer: Yes, Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, some people find that the flavors meld together even more after being refrigerated overnight, making them an even more delicious treat the next day. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature slightly before serving for the best texture.
Question 3: Can I freeze these bars? Answer: Yes, you can freeze Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the bars, but they will still be delicious.
Question 4: What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Answer: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can create your own blend using a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A good substitute would be to use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of cloves for every 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice called for in the recipe. Adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste preferences.
Question 5: My filling is too runny. What did I do wrong? Answer: A runny filling can be caused by a few factors. First, ensure that your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. Lumps of cream cheese can prevent the filling from setting properly. Second, make sure you are measuring the ingredients accurately, especially the powdered sugar, as it helps to thicken the filling. Finally, ensure that you bake the bars for the full recommended time. The center should be slightly wobbly but not overly liquid when you remove them from the oven. If the filling is still too runny, you can try baking them for an additional 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to overbake the crust.
