Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the abundance of pumpkin-flavored everything. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make this season, look no further than these pumpkin pecan bars with yellow cake mix and cream cheese. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these bars that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cake mix layer in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the pumpkin layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the pecan layer in the pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Servings: 12 | Calories: 410 | Total Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 430mg | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin pecan bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re the perfect dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea on a chilly autumn day.
Variations:
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or leave them out altogether. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use white cake mix or spice cake mix instead. You can also substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Storage:
Store any leftover pumpkin pecan bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing, or they’ll be difficult to cut and may fall apart.
- You can make these bars ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to your liking.
Notes:
These pumpkin pecan bars are a great dessert to bring to a fall potluck or Thanksgiving dinner. They’re easy to make, transport, and serve, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
- Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
- Can I make these bars without the cream cheese layer?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin before adding it to the recipe.
Yes, you can use a different type of nut instead of pecans. Walnuts or hazelnuts would both be delicious in this recipe.
Yes, you can make these bars without the cream cheese layer if you prefer. Just omit the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract from the recipe.
Final Thoughts:
These pumpkin pecan bars with yellow cake mix and cream cheese are the perfect fall treat. They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy evening at home or bringing them to a fall gathering, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!