Spiced Pumpkin Cake Bars with Caramel Drizzle are soft, moist, and filled with warm fall spices, then finished with a rich caramel drizzle that takes them over the top. These bars deliver all the cozy flavors of pumpkin cake in an easy-to-slice, crowd-friendly format.
Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or a sweet afternoon treat with coffee, these pumpkin bars are simple to make, beautifully spiced, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Moist Texture – Thanks to pumpkin purée
- Warm Fall Spices – Cozy, comforting flavor
- Easy Bar Form – No layering or decorating needed
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties and potlucks
- Caramel Drizzle Finish – Sweet, buttery topping
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better the next day
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake Bars
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
In a separate bowl, mix oil, sugars, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake Bars:
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool completely.
3. Add the Caramel Drizzle:
Warm caramel sauce slightly for easy drizzling.
Drizzle over cooled cake bars.
Optional: Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
4. Slice & Serve:
Cut into bars and serve.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve on a platter with extra caramel drizzled just before serving.
Perfect Pairings:
- Coffee or latte
- Hot apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream
Leftover Uses:
- Pumpkin cake trifle
- Warm and serve with whipped cream
- Pack as lunchbox treats
Beverage Pairing:
- Spiced chai
- Cappuccino
- Hot chocolate
Additional Tips
- Use pure pumpkin purée only
- Do not overmix the batter
- Let bars cool fully before drizzling
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Variations
- Cream Cheese Drizzle: Swap caramel for cream cheese glaze
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Add mini chocolate chips
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Bars: Add espresso powder
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (without caramel drizzle)
Reheat: Serve room temperature or slightly warmed
Special Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- 9×13 baking pan
- Parchment paper
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Yes, just make sure it’s thick and not watery.
Why are my bars dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause density.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, flavors improve overnight.
Can I double the caramel drizzle?
Absolutely, it’s highly encouraged!
Conclusion
Spiced Pumpkin Cake Bars with Caramel Drizzle are the ultimate fall dessert, soft, warmly spiced, and finished with sweet caramel goodness. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these bars are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cozy drink.
