Pumpkin Pie Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe You Need to Try

Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie that many of us cherish during the fall season. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, the warm, spiced aroma of these bars fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. Originating from traditional pumpkin pie recipes, these bars offer the same rich flavors and creamy texture but in a more convenient, portable form. I love how Pumpkin Pie Bars capture the essence of autumn, making them perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of coffee. The combination of a buttery crust and a velvety pumpkin filling creates a dessert that is not only delicious but also evokes a sense of nostalgia. It’s no wonder that people adore these bars; they are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and bring a taste of the season to every bite.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the topping (optional):
• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your crust bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. 3. Add the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. If it feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together. 5. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides. This will create a nice barrier for the filling. 6. Prick the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking. This is a little trick I always use to ensure a flat crust. 7. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.

Preparing the Filling

8. While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the pumpkin filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 large eggs. 9. Add in the spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. These spices will give your pumpkin pie bars that warm, cozy flavor we all love. 10. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin puree left.

Combining the Crust and Filling

11. Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help the filling to set better when poured onto the warm crust. 12. Pour the pumpkin filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that every bite will have that delicious pumpkin flavor. 13. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may puff up slightly, but that’s perfectly normal.

Cooling and Serving

14. Once baked, remove the pumpkin pie bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This cooling time is essential for the filling to firm up properly. 15. After the bars have cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait! Chilling them will enhance the flavors and make them easier to cut. 16. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. I usually

Conclusion:

In summary, these Pumpkin Pie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall. With their creamy pumpkin filling nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust, they offer a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy night in. The ease of preparation makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and the end result is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider topping these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. You can also experiment with variations by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a layer of cream cheese for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I truly believe that once you try these Pumpkin Pie Bars, they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into this delicious recipe. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Please share your experience and any personal twists you add to the recipe. Happy baking! Print