These harvest spice bars with cream cheese are an easy, cozy fall dessert. Made from spice cake mix and a creamy sweet cheese layer, they bake up moist, tender, and perfectly spiced—ideal for parties, potlucks, or an autumn afternoon treat.
This recipe is a great shortcut for when you want big fall flavor with minimal fuss. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices from the cake mix pair beautifully with the sweet, tangy cream cheese layer. It’s simple to prepare: press a spiced crust into a 9×13 pan, spread on the cream cheese filling, bake, cool, and slice into squares.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra boxed spice cake mix, these bars are an excellent option. They come together quickly and freeze well, so you can make them ahead for holidays or events. They’re also a crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears fast—consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
Harvest spice bars ingredients
- spice cake mix (2 boxes / about 30.5 ounces)
- unsalted sweet cream butter, melted (1 cup + 1/2 cup divided)
- eggs (1 for crust; 2 for filling)
- cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
- pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- powdered sugar / confectioners’ sugar (about 4 cups)
How to make harvest spice bars
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the two boxes of spice cake mix with 1 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg. Mix until evenly combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs one at a time, then beat in 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until combined. Gradually add about 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, beating until the filling is smooth and thick.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spice crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 2-inch squares. Store in an airtight container.
Tips and FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter. Using salted butter can alter the flavor balance. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the taste.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave it for 8–12 seconds (check and rotate) until just softened. Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly into the filling.
How long do these bars keep?
Stored in an airtight container, the bars will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I freeze harvest spice bars?
Yes. Wrap the whole pan or individual squares tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for about one month—great for preparing ahead for holidays or events.
Recipe details
Harvest Spice Bars
Servings: 24 bars | Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 20 mins
Bottom Layer
- 30.5 ounces spice cake mix (2 boxes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Top Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the cake mix, 1 cup melted butter, and 1 egg in a large bowl. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then add 1/2 cup melted butter and vanilla. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese filling over the crust. Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are firm and center slightly jiggles.
- Cool completely, then cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Nutrition (per bar, approximate)
Calories: 378 | Carbs: 47 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 20 g | Sugar: 37 g
More fall dessert ideas
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Apple Cider Bundt Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Apple Cookies
These harvest spice bars are a simple, delicious way to enjoy fall spices with a creamy twist. They’re quick to prepare, freeze well, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any seasonal gathering.