The Ultimate Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe: Your Perfect Fall Dessert
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As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of pumpkin-spiced treats. While traditional pumpkin pie holds a special place in our hearts, these easy Pumpkin Pie Bars offer a delightful and convenient twist on a classic fall dessert. They capture all the beloved flavors and creamy texture of a classic pie but in a much more shareable and easy-to-serve bar format.
Imagine a rich, buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth, topped with a velvety smooth, perfectly spiced pumpkin filling. Each bite delivers that unmistakable taste of autumn, brimming with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season, perfect for family gatherings, holiday potlucks, or simply a cozy evening treat. If you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie or any other comforting pumpkin recipe, prepare to fall in love with this effortless and incredibly delicious recipe. Top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance!
Why You’ll Adore This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
There are countless reasons why these pumpkin pie bars will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. For starters, their convenience is unmatched. Unlike a traditional pie that requires careful handling and slicing, bars are incredibly easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for feeding a crowd. The shortbread crust is a game-changer, offering a delightful crispness and buttery flavor that perfectly complements the creamy pumpkin layer.
Furthermore, the recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, ensuring that you can whip up a batch whenever a pumpkin craving strikes. They’re also wonderfully versatile – serve them plain, or get creative with toppings like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is designed for success, delivering a consistently delicious result every time.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Crafting the perfect pumpkin pie bars starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each component to ensure your bars are simply irresistible.
For the Creamy Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- Pure Pumpkin Purée: This is the heart of your filling. Ensure you use pure pumpkin purée from a can, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has added spices and sugar. For an extra special touch, you can even use homemade pumpkin puree if you have it on hand.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar or cane sugar works best to sweeten the pumpkin and create that classic dessert flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice & Ground Cinnamon: These spices are essential for that signature warm, autumnal taste. The combination provides depth and aromatic appeal. Don’t skimp on these for maximum flavor!
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs act as a binder, helping the filling set beautifully and contributing to its creamy texture. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the mixture.
- Milk: Any milk you have on hand will work, whether it’s whole milk, 2%, or even evaporated milk for a richer, more traditional pie taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the creamy pumpkin filling.
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
- Softened Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for creating a tender, crumbly crust that’s easy to press into the pan. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the crust.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note and a slightly chewier texture to the shortbread crust compared to white sugar.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is perfect for this crust. If you’re looking for an alternative, almond flour can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness of the crust and enhances its buttery flavor, making it truly irresistible.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious pumpkin pie bars. Precision and patience are key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
Preparation is Key:
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your bars go in. Next, prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Make sure to leave a generous overhang on the sides – this will act as “handles” later, allowing you to easily lift the cooled bars out of the dish for clean cutting. Lightly spray the foil or parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
Crafting the Perfect Shortbread Crust:
In a medium-sized bowl, food processor, or a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is important for a tender crust. Next, gradually add in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat or mix until the ingredients are just combined and the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Evenly press this crumbly mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, just until it begins to turn a light golden brown. This par-baking step helps create a sturdy and deliciously crisp foundation for your pumpkin filling.
Preparing the Silky Pumpkin Pie Filling:
While the crust is baking, prepare your pumpkin filling. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine all the pumpkin pie filling ingredients: pure pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, room temperature eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Ensure there are no lumps of pumpkin or sugar.
Once the crust has finished its initial bake and is removed from the oven, carefully pour the smooth pumpkin filling over the warm crust in the baking dish. Gently spread the filling evenly to cover the entire crust.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the center of the filling is still slightly jiggly when gently shaken, but the edges are set and firm. The filling will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can lead to cracks in the surface, so keep an eye on it! Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial for the filling to fully set, making the bars easier to cut and ensuring a perfect texture.
Storing Your Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Proper storage ensures your pumpkin pie bars remain fresh and delicious for days. Since they contain dairy and eggs, refrigeration is essential.
Refrigeration:
Once your pumpkin bars have cooled completely to room temperature, they are ready for storage. You can leave them in the baking dish and cover it tightly with its lid, or with plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Alternatively, for optimal freshness and convenience, transfer the cooled bars into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, these easy pumpkin bars will remain fresh and delightful for up to 5 days. Chilling them thoroughly also makes them much easier to cut into neat squares.
Freezing for Later Enjoyment:
If you’ve made a large batch or want to enjoy these bars beyond the initial 5 days, they freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled, cut the bars into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To serve, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for future gatherings.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Elevate your pumpkin pie bars with these helpful hints and creative variations to ensure they’re always a showstopper.
Do I need the pie crust?
While this recipe features a delicious shortbread crust, you absolutely have the option to make crustless pumpkin pie bars. Simply follow the filling instructions and bake it directly in a greased baking dish. However, I highly recommend keeping the crust! The buttery shortbread crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling, adding a depth of flavor and a satisfying bite that truly completes this dessert.
Type of milk to use:
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility when it comes to milk. You can use whatever milk you have readily available, be it whole milk, 2%, or even skim milk. For a richer, more intensely flavored filling reminiscent of classic pumpkin pie, consider using evaporated milk or heavy cream. These options will contribute to an even creamier and more luxurious texture.
Can you use a graham cracker crust?
While a graham cracker crust might seem like a quick alternative, for this particular pumpkin pie bars recipe, I strongly suggest sticking with the traditional buttery shortbread crust. The specific flavor profile and texture of the shortbread are designed to perfectly complement the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a harmonious and truly authentic pumpkin pie bar experience. It keeps the flavors closest to the original pumpkin pie, enhancing its classic appeal.
Preventing Cracks in Your Pumpkin Filling:
To avoid those unsightly cracks on the surface of your pumpkin filling, there are a couple of tricks. First, avoid overbaking. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven, as it will continue to set as it cools. Second, allow the bars to cool gradually. Don’t transfer them directly from a hot oven to a cold countertop. Let them sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 15-20 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin pie bars are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can take them to the next level!
- Classic Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
- Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dusting of Spices: A light dusting of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before serving enhances the aroma and presentation.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm bar with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold dessert experience.
More Delightful Dessert Recipes to Try:
If you enjoyed these pumpkin pie bars, be sure to explore more of our irresistible dessert creations. We have a variety of recipes perfect for any occasion, from cozy comforts to impressive treats.
- Warm & Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Decadent Caramel Butter Bars
- Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Biscuits
- Easy Nutter Butter Fudge Ice Box Cake
Pumpkin Pie Bars
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Ingredients
Pumpkin pie filling:
- 15 oz can pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crust:
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 8×8 baking dish with foil or parchment paper, make sure to leave some overhang so you can pull the bars out of the baking dish.
- Spray the foil or parchment paper with non stick spray.
Make the crust:
- To a medium sized bowl or stand mixer beat together the butter and brown sugar, now add in the flour and salt beat until well combined. It will be crumbly.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
Make the pumpkin pie filling:
- To a medium sized bowl add in all of the pumpkin pie filling ingredients. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Once the crust is out of the oven add this filling into the baking dish.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
- Once out of the oven let cool completely.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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We hope you love these easy pumpkin pie bars as much as we do! They are truly the perfect autumn treat, blending the comforting familiarity of a classic pie with the convenience of a bar. Don’t forget to share your baking success with us! If you give this recipe a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you loved them. Happy baking!