Irresistibly Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

Pumpkin lovers, this one’s just for you. Thank you for being here, because today we’re baking up something that feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall afternoon—Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars.

These bars are soft, tender, perfectly spiced, and topped with a dreamy layer of frosting. They’re lighter than a traditional pumpkin cake but cozier than a muffin, and with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like pumpkin purée, whole wheat flour, and honey, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor they deliver.

Pull out your favorite mixing bowl and let’s bake some autumn magic together. And hey, if you love cozy fall desserts like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you’ll never miss a recipe fresh from my kitchen. 🍁

Overview of Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

These pumpkin bars are:

• Moist and tender – Thanks to pumpkin and honey.
• Perfectly spiced – Warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (optional but highly recommended!).
• Healthier than most cakes – Made with whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened.
• Versatile – Great as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert.

What They Taste Like

Each bite is fluffy yet moist, with the earthiness of pumpkin balanced by the gentle sweetness of honey. The frosting adds just the right creamy finish, making them irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 200 g pumpkin purée
• 150 g whole wheat flour
• 80 g honey
• 1 large egg (optional, for structure)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra spices if you like)
• Pinch of salt

For the frosting (optional but amazing):

• 100 g cream cheese
• 40 g powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Baking pan (8×8 or similar)
• Parchment paper

Suggested Substitutions

• Honey → Maple syrup for a deeper fall flavor.
• Whole wheat flour → Oat flour or all-purpose flour.
• Frosting → Skip it for a lighter snack, or replace with Greek yogurt frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

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1. Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Line your pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients – In a bowl, whisk pumpkin, honey, egg, and oil until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
4. Fold together – Gently stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix.
5. Bake – Pour batter into the pan and bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & frost – Let bars cool completely before spreading cream cheese frosting on top. Slice and enjoy!

The smell of these baking? Pure autumn joy.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

• A mug of chai latte or pumpkin spice latte.
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
• A cozy side of apple cider.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Don’t overbake—moist is the goal!
• Frost only when the cake is fully cooled.
• Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for a crowd.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store frosted bars in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before frosting.
• Make ahead: Bake the bars a day early, frost before serving.

General Information

Pumpkin spice cake bars are a classic American fall treat, often served around Halloween and Thanksgiving. They’re loved for their simplicity and versatility—easy enough for a weekday bake, but festive enough for a holiday dessert table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without frosting?
Absolutely—they’re delicious on their own.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
Yes, but reduce added spices and sweetness, since it’s pre-seasoned.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make them vegan?
Swap the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars are moist, flavorful, and downright addictive. The blend of pumpkin, honey, and warming spices makes them the ultimate cozy fall dessert.

If you loved these, you’ll also enjoy:

• Pumpkin Bread

Interactive Elements

Tried these bars? Leave me a review below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your photos on Pinterest here or tag me on Instagram @PoulefRecipe.

Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
160	22 g	4 g	5 g	12 g	3 g

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