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To make delicious pumpkin bars with cake mix, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 box of spice cake mix - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role. The spice cake mix provides a rich base. The canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the bars soft. Eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla extract brings a sweet aroma. Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon give that warm, cozy taste we all love. You can add chocolate chips for extra sweetness, but it is optional. Lastly, dusting with powdered sugar gives a nice touch. Gather all your ingredients before you start. This way, you’ll have everything ready to go! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it. You can use cooking spray or a little oil. This keeps the bars from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil. Crack in three large eggs and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these well until smooth. The batter will be thick and creamy. Next, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until everything blends together. If you want extra sweetness, fold in one cup of chocolate chips. Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, move the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into bars. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin bars! For the best texture in your pumpkin bars, use a thick canned pumpkin puree. This helps keep the bars moist but not too wet. I suggest mixing the batter well, but not overmixing. Overmixing can make your bars tough. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually 25 to 30 minutes. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before moving them. This step helps them hold their shape. To boost the flavor, add more spices if you like. Try adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for a nice crunch. If you want a sweet touch, fold in chocolate chips. They melt slightly and add a rich flavor to the bars. Using high-quality vanilla extract can also enhance the taste. When serving your pumpkin bars, cut them into neat squares for a clean look. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve on a colorful plate to make them pop. For a fun twist, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a nice contrast to the spice and pumpkin flavors. {{image_2}} If you want to make these pumpkin bars gluten-free, you can swap the spice cake mix. Look for a gluten-free cake mix at your store. It should work just as well. You may also use almond flour or coconut flour. Both give great flavor and texture. Be sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten. You can change some ingredients based on what you have. For example, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. This adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you want to skip the eggs, try using applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. This keeps the bars moist and tasty. To make your pumpkin bars extra special, add seasonal flavors. You might mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. You can also add dried cranberries for a sweet and tart touch. Experiment with a splash of maple syrup for a rich flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for a cozy finish. These little twists can make each bite even more delightful! To keep your pumpkin bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. You can also cover the container with plastic wrap. This helps keep the bars moist and tasty. You can freeze pumpkin bars for later. First, let them cool completely. Cut them into individual bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When stored in the fridge, these pumpkin bars last about five days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they taste! Yes, you can make these pumpkin bars vegan. Simply swap the eggs for a plant-based option. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. You can also use flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your bars just like eggs. You have several great options to replace eggs in this recipe. Here are a few: - 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce - 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water - 1/4 cup of silken tofu, blended - 1/4 cup of mashed banana Each of these options works well and keeps the bars moist. You can check if the pumpkin bars are done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If you see wet batter, they need more time. Bake them for 25-30 minutes, and keep an eye on them towards the end. Let them cool for a bit before cutting. You learned how to make tasty pumpkin bars using simple ingredients and steps. We covered soft textures, flavor tips, and fun ways to serve. Don’t forget about storage to keep them fresh. Try different variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. These pumpkin bars are sure to impress. Now, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your delicious treat!

Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bars! This easy recipe combines spiced cake mix and creamy pumpkin puree for a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 45 minutes, these bars are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, add chocolate chips for an extra delicious twist! Click through to explore the full recipe and create these scrumptious bars today!
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Ingredients
  

1 box of spice cake mix

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

      Add the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to the mixture and stir until combined. The batter will be thick.

        If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.

          Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Once cool, cut into bars. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-15 bars