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
Scale
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.
