If you are craving a cozy dessert that combines all the best flavors of fall in a handheld treat, I am excited to share this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe with you. These bars capture the rich, spiced pumpkin filling of classic pumpkin pie, layered on a buttery, tender crust that holds everything together perfectly. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend treat, Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe makes serving pumpkin pie easier, less messy, and just as unforgettable. You will love how each bite bursts with creamy texture and warm spices, truly a comforting slice of autumn in bar form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, each playing its role to create the perfect blend of flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the smooth spiced filling, every component is essential for that authentic pumpkin pie taste in a convenient bar.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure to the crust, creating a tender and crumbly base.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the crust and helps keep it soft.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the crust for a buttery flavor.
- Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The star of the filling, packed with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and moisture.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the filling together and add creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the pumpkin filling perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the filling, balancing the texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm flavors in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings classic autumn spice warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle spicy kick.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Deepens the spice profile with a hint of bitterness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar: Optional garnishes to add a final touch of 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. Mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until a soft dough forms. Press this evenly into your prepared pan to create a smooth crust layer. Bake it for 15 minutes or until it just turns a light golden color. This step ensures a sturdy yet tender base for your pumpkin filling.
Step 2: Make the pumpkin filling
While your crust is baking, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until everything is silky smooth. Then add all your warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. These spices are the heart of the Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe, giving the filling that unmistakable fall flavor everyone loves.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Once the crust is lightly baked, pour your spiced pumpkin filling evenly over it. Spread gently to cover the whole surface. Bake the bars again at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This longer baking time helps the filling develop a custardy texture that’s rich and luscious.
Step 4: Cool and chill
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling is crucial because it helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares and enhancing the flavor. Trust me, this step makes a big difference in the final texture and taste.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little something extra on top can take your Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe from delicious to stunning. A dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the spiced filling with light creaminess. If you prefer a simpler touch, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snowy effect and just enough sweetness.
Side Dishes
These bars are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns the experience into a celebration. Hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte also complement the bars wonderfully, making them ideal for afternoon treats or dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with some cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries scattered around. You can also cut them into mini squares and skewer them with toothpicks for a fun finger-food style that works great at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe leftovers keep really well. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or holiday prep.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars at a later time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain the best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your bars gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until slightly warm to bring out the flavors and soften the texture without drying them out. You can also enjoy them cold straight from the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled dessert.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth before measuring the amount needed. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has more moisture, so you may need to reduce some of the liquids slightly in the recipe for the best consistency.
What makes this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe different from regular pumpkin pie?
The bars offer the same delicious flavors of pumpkin pie but in a convenient square shape that’s easier to slice and serve. The buttery crust is thicker and more crumbly than a traditional pie crust, giving a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup works well. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help hold the crust together.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe?
You can reduce the granulated and powdered sugar slightly if you want a less sweet dessert. Just decrease the sugar amounts by about 1/4 cup each, and keep an eye on the texture since sugar also affects moisture and firmness.
How long do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
For the best slices, chill for at least 2 hours as instructed. Longer chilling helps the filling set firmly and makes slicing cleaner, preventing cracks or crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe, I’m confident it will become your new go-to for fall desserts and special occasions alike. The balance of a tender crust and spiced pumpkin filling brings all the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie into a fun, easy-to-serve bar. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm slice of autumn joy!
Print
Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie, combining a buttery crust with a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling. Perfectly baked until set and chilled for a refreshing finish, these bars make an easy, crowd-pleasing fall dessert.
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 for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until a uniform dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden, then remove from oven.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the prepared pumpkin filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve topped with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to let the bars chill completely to ensure clean, firm slices.
- You can adjust the spices to your preference—more cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
