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Easy Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars start with a cake mix and bake up into the dreamiest fall dessert with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warm cinnamon spice.

Every fall I find myself baking more than usual. There’s just something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and leaves crunching underfoot that makes me want to turn on the oven and fill the house with sweet, spiced aromas. And nothing says “autumn comfort” quite like pumpkin. While pies and cheesecakes get all the attention this time of year, I think bars are the real hidden gem. They’re easy to make, simple to slice, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.  My mom actually loves these because she doesn’t like pie crust so now she gets all the pumpkin pie flavor without the pie crust. 

These Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars with Cream Cheese Filling are one of my go-to fall desserts. They start with a buttery cake mix crust, and then you pour on a pumpkin cream cheese mixture that bakes up rich, custardy, and just the right amount of gooey in the middle. It’s almost like pumpkin pie met cheesecake and decided to hang out on top of a cake bar crust. Sprinkle on a little powdered sugar and you’ve got yourself a dessert that looks bakery-worthy but takes hardly any effort.

I love making these bars when we’re having company or when I want to send something special to a potluck. They travel well, they can be made a day in advance, and they’re always the first dessert to disappear. My kids ask for them every year once October hits, and I don’t mind at all, because they’re as easy as they are delicious.  Plus these are so easy to make which makes them perfect for those busy Fall days. 

What Are Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars?

If you’ve ever had classic gooey butter cake, you know how dangerously good it is. Traditionally, it’s made with a cake mix crust topped with a sweet cream cheese layer that bakes up slightly set but soft and gooey in the middle.

This pumpkin version takes that classic gooey butter cake and gives it a seasonal twist. Instead of just cream cheese, the filling includes pumpkin puree and cinnamon, giving it that cozy fall flavor. The result is something that tastes like pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and cake bars all rolled into one. They’re rich, sweet, and just a little decadent, but still easy enough for everyday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of fall flavor – pumpkin, cinnamon, cream cheese, and butter make this a seasonal favorite.

• Quick prep – starts with a cake mix, so no complicated steps.

• Feeds a crowd – baked in a 9×13, these bars make plenty to share.

• Perfectly gooey – just set enough to hold their shape but soft and creamy in the middle.

• Make ahead friendly – actually better the next day once the flavors settle.

When to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Bars

This is one of those desserts that fits just about anywhere in your fall calendar.

• Thanksgiving dessert table – a fun alternative to pumpkin pie.

• Halloween parties – festive, sweet, and easy to cut into squares for little hands.

• Fall potlucks or bake sales – everyone will ask for the recipe.

• Sunday family dinner – a sweet way to end a cozy meal.

• Coffee dates with friends – they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients 

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix – creates that buttery, sweet crust.

• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, divided – one melted for the crust, one for the filling.

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree – pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened – makes the filling rich and creamy.

• 4 eggs – 1 for the crust, 3 for the filling.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – deepens the flavor.

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – for sweetness and dusting on top.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – adds warmth and spice to the filling.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the crust: In a bowl, combine cake mix, 1 stick melted butter, and 1 egg until well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

3. Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese with pumpkin puree until smooth. Add the remaining 3 eggs, vanilla, the other stick of melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.

4. Sweeten it up: Slowly add powdered sugar to the filling, mixing well.

5. Assemble: Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread evenly.

6. Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the center is just set but still a little jiggly.

7. Cool & serve: Let cool completely before cutting. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.

Substitutions

• Cake mix – swap in spice cake mix for even more fall flavor.

• Butter – margarine can work in a pinch, though real butter gives the best taste.

• Pumpkin puree – use sweet potato puree for a fun twist.

• Cinnamon – pumpkin pie spice works beautifully for extra warmth.

• Vanilla – almond extract or maple extract can give a unique spin.

Variations

• Nut topping – sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.

• Caramel drizzle – add caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.

• Mini bars – bake in muffin tins for bite-sized portions.

• Marbled look – swirl in some extra cream cheese mixture for a pretty marbled effect.

• Extra spice – add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a deeper spice profile.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overbake – the bars should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you pull them out.

• Line the pan – parchment makes it easy to lift and cut clean slices.

• Cool completely – these firm up as they cool, so give them time before slicing.

• Chill for clean cuts – refrigerating for an hour makes for neater slices.

• Add powdered sugar last – sprinkle just before serving so it doesn’t melt into the bars.

FAQs

Do these need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the cream cheese filling, store them covered in the fridge.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. They actually taste better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap individually and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How do I know when they’re done?
The edges will be set and slightly golden, while the center should still look a little jiggly, that’s what gives them the gooey texture.

Serving Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream.

• Pair with a hot latte or spiced cider.

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store tightly covered for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze up to 2 months.

• Make Ahead: Bake the day before serving, they taste even better once chilled overnight.

Did you make these PUMPKIN GOOEY BUTTER BARS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

If you love cozy fall treats, these Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars are rich, creamy, and full of pumpkin spice goodness. They’re the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering. And if you’re looking for more festive recipes, check out these favorites:

• Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots – Creamy pumpkin pudding mixed with a touch of booze for a fun and festive fall party treat.

• No Bake Pumpkin Lush – A dreamy layered dessert with a graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and whipped topping.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Bars – Soft snickerdoodle cookie bars swirled with rich pumpkin cheesecake for the ultimate fall mash-up.

• Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls – Sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with pumpkin cream cheese and baked to golden perfection.

• Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels (Easy 10-Minute Recipe!) – Soft, chewy caramels made in just 10 minutes with warm pumpkin spice flavor.

• Pumpkin Swirl Brownies – Fudgy brownies swirled with creamy pumpkin spice filling for the ultimate fall dessert mash-up.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Gooey Butter Bars with Cream Cheese Filling are the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition. They’re simple to make but taste like something you’d buy at a bakery. Rich, sweet, spiced, and perfectly gooey in the middle, they’re the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing something to a potluck, or planning your Thanksgiving menu, these bars will always be a hit. Don’t be surprised when they disappear before the pumpkin pie!