Pumpkin Pie Bars are one of those desserts that really capture the cozy essence of fall. Imagine the rich, warming spices and delightful sweetness just melting in your mouth. These bars are an easy twist on traditional pumpkin pie that will have you wanting to make them for every gathering. Plus, they’re not intimidating at all! With a buttery shortbread crust and a velvety pumpkin filling, they’re perfect for both seasoned bakers and cooking novices alike.
There’s something magical about pulling these bars out of the oven and smelling that fantastic aroma—it’s enough to make anyone feel at home. These Pumpkin Pie Bars are the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, whether you’re enjoying a casual family dinner or hosting a festive get-together. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. So let’s get started and make these delicious treats!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and creamy pumpkin filling creates a delightful texture that stands out from traditional pies. You don’t need to worry about intricate pie-making techniques; these bars are straightforward and user-friendly.
Additionally, the recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that most of us have on hand. Moreover, the warming spices blend perfectly with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Bars
These Pumpkin Pie Bars capture the essence of fall in every bite, making them ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy day at home. They are not only simple to prepare but can be made ahead of time. Planning a dinner party? Make these bars the day before, so you can enjoy uninterrupted time with your loved ones.
The bars are also incredibly versatile. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they transform into a comforting dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Each slice serves up all the best flavors of fall, and everyone will love you for sharing!
Ingredients
To whip up these delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars, you will need:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (or 1-1/4 cups homemade pumpkin puree)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (or half and half)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs
Preparing the Shortbread Crust
Mix Ingredients Together
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that heats up, grab a large mixing bowl. Here, you’ll combine the flour, room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and salt, mixing until just blended.
Form the Crust
Using a pastry knife, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Be careful not to overmix—it should stay crumbly. Now, pat this shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9″x13″ baking dish. This creates a solid base for our luscious pumpkin filling!
Making the Pumpkin Filling
Blend Ingredients
Next, it’s time to make that creamy pumpkin filling! In a blender, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, cloves, and eggs. Blend on low until everything is combined smoothly.
Pour and Bake
Pour the luscious pumpkin filling over the prepared shortbread crust in your baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to 325°F (163°C) and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set in the center.
Cooling and Serving
Cool the Bars
Once the bars are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool down at room temperature. After they’ve cooled for a bit, transfer them to the refrigerator; chilling for at least 2 hours will help them firm up nicely before slicing.
Slice and Serve
When you’re ready, cut into squares or bars. For an extra special touch, serve them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This simple addition enhances the flavors and makes every bite even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to really elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing these Pumpkin Pie Bars with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. They make for a perfect cozy fall treat!
Another idea is to create a sweet-savory contrast by serving them alongside a cheese platter. Or, balance things out with a refreshing seasonal fruit salad to give a light, fresh side to your dessert.
Tips for Success
- To ensure easy blending, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this will help everything come together smoothly.
- While using canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, making your own can add a unique flavor twist to your bars.
- Bake just until the filling is set—the texture of the bars will be perfect, avoiding any risk of overcooking.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the spices with pumpkin pie spice for a simplified version.
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
Storage Tips
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin puree is smooth and not too watery.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be firm and set in the center. You can test it by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They can easily be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
You can use half-and-half or regular milk, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
5. How should I serve these pumpkin pie bars?
They are best chilled and topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to create a delightful treat.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with these delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars! Perfectly sweet, warmly spiced, and simply delightful, they are bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy each bite and the warm memories they create!
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Pumpkin Pie Bars
These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy filling. They’re perfect for gatherings or cozy days at home.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (or 1–1/4 cups homemade pumpkin puree)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (or half and half)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt in mixing bowl.
- Mix until crumbly, then pat mixture into a 9'x13' baking dish.
- Blend pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, spices, and eggs in blender until smooth.
- Pour filling over crust and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for another 30-40 minutes until filling is set.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Keep butter at room temperature for easy blending.
Feel free to use homemade pumpkin puree for a unique flavor.
Ensure filling is set before removing from the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 70
