Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with a buttery crust. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or as a simple family treat, these bars give you all the pumpkin pie goodness in a more convenient and portable form.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup whipped cream or whipped topping (optional)
- A dash of cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans for a nutty crunch in the crust
- ¼ teaspoon allspice for extra warmth in the filling
For Serving:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Pair with coffee or tea for a perfect fall treat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once chilled, slice the Pumpkin Pie Bars into squares.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Pumpkin: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Spices: Adjust the spice amounts to your liking, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger fall flavor.
- Chilling: These bars set best when chilled, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
Variations
1. Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars
Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans over the pumpkin filling before baking for a nutty, crunchy topping.
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Swirl cream cheese into the pumpkin filling by dropping spoonfuls of a mixture of 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 egg into the filling and swirling it with a toothpick.
3. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Bars
Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour for a nutty twist.
4. Pumpkin Pie Bars with Oat Crust
Replace half of the flour in the crust with old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Pumpkin Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better after chilling overnight.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve them chilled or at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars?
Yes! You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin with homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Q: What can I serve with Pumpkin Pie Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
These Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, offering all the flavors of fall in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. With their buttery crust and spiced pumpkin filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving desserts
