If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn and crave something a little different from the classic pie, this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine all the warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling you love, but in a perfectly portable, buttery-bar form that’s as easy to share as it is to enjoy. These bars strike that delicious balance between a tender crust and a luscious filling, making them an irresistible treat whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to a seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the flavor, texture, and classic autumnal color that makes these bars stand out.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect base for a sturdy yet tender crust that holds all the pumpkin goodness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps achieve the crumbly texture in the crust.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3/4 cup): Gives richness and helps bind the crust together while adding a wonderful buttery flavor.
- Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The star ingredient that lends creamy texture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Provide structure and help the filling set to that perfect custard-like consistency.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling without overpowering the natural pumpkin taste.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the filling extra luscious and smooth, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Balances the richness and lightens the custard.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Classic warming spice that brings depth and a little spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle zing that awakens the taste buds.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a slight peppery touch that makes the spice blend rich and complex.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor depth.
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar: For garnish, adding a festive finishing touch and extra indulgence.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and melted butter until a dough forms. This simple crust acts as the perfect base—firm enough to hold the filling but delicate enough to bite through easily. Press the dough evenly into the baking pan and bake it for about 15 minutes, until it turns a light golden color, signaling it’s ready for the pumpkin filling.
Step 2: Whisk the Pumpkin Filling
While the crust is baking, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt next. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. This mixture holds the essence of the Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe, full of creamy texture and the cozy spices that remind us of fall.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust has that lovely golden tint, remove it from the oven and pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the top. Spread gently so the entire surface is covered. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking step transforms the filling into an irresistible custard that’s just firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
After baking, let your pumpkin pie bars cool completely at room temperature. Then pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is key because it allows the filling to firm up perfectly and makes slicing into neat squares much easier. Plus, the flavors get even richer after some time in the fridge.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe beauties is half the fun. Classic whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness and a hint of creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling. If you prefer a simpler touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar provides an elegant, festive look that complements the autumn vibe.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes the experience up a notch. For a cozy fall gathering, consider alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a bold cup of coffee to balance the sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For hosting, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter lined with autumn leaves for a seasonal presentation. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top for added texture and a delightful sweet crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), keep the pumpkin pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making for a perfect next-day treat or lunchbox surprise.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm your pumpkin pie bars, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Warm bars paired with a little whipped cream make for an irresistibly cozy snack or dessert.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree as canned pumpkin pie filling usually contains added spices and sugar, which can affect the flavor and texture balance of the bars.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed in the recipe?
No worries! Ground cinnamon alone can stand in for most of the spice blend, though nutmeg and ginger add lovely depth. Adjust to your taste and preferences, and feel free to experiment.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures equally. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the pumpkin filling is fully baked?
The filling should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. It might still be a little jiggly in the very center but will firm up as it cools.
Can I make Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, these bars are better after chilling overnight. Bake a day ahead, refrigerate, and garnish just before serving for an effortless and impressive dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves pumpkin but wants something easy, shareable, and full of autumn comfort. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re a seasoned pumpkin bar enthusiast, these bars will quickly become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire. So go ahead and give them a try — your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
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Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie, featuring a buttery baked crust topped with a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed chilled with a garnish of whipped cream or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until a uniform dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to help them firm up for easy slicing.
- Serve: Slice the chilled pumpkin pie bars into squares. Garnish with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.
- Ensure the crust is fully baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
- The bars are best served chilled but can be stored at room temperature for a few hours if needed.
- Adjust spices according to taste preferences for a milder or stronger flavor.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, making them perfect for holiday parties.
