If you love classic pumpkin pie but crave something even easier (and more shareable) to bake, these Pumpkin Pie Bars are going to be your new go-to dessert. Imagine all the creamy, spicy warmth of your favorite fall treat paired with a buttery, tender crust—and best of all, you can cut them into portable squares perfect for parties, potlucks, or an irresistible afternoon snack. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or finished with a dollop of whipped cream, Pumpkin Pie Bars deliver all the delicious fall flavors you love, with a simple recipe that’s friendly for bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Pumpkin Pie Bars are proof that a handful of everyday pantry staples can create something absolutely irresistible. Every ingredient adds its own special touch, whether it’s luscious texture, autumnal color, or rich, aromatic flavor. Let’s have a look at what makes each component shine!
- All-purpose flour: Gives the crust its sturdy, classic pie base while keeping it tender and easy to slice.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the pumpkin spice flavors.
- Salt: Enhances both the crust and filling, making every other flavor pop.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes): Makes the crust delightfully flaky and rich—always use it cold for the best texture.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Opt for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for pure flavor and creamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Lends the perfect blend of sweetness and silky consistency to the filling, making it almost custardy.
- Large eggs: Help set the filling, binding everything together into gorgeously sliceable bars.
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice gives your bars that true, unmistakable pumpkin pie aroma.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle, zesty heat that brightens up the overall spice profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers earthy depth and quintessential holiday notes that round out the pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant, mellow sweetness to the filling, tying everything together.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Before you dive into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your pumpkin pie bars release easily once baked.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly. Add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This technique creates a crust that’s both crisp and tender. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan—the more even the layer, the better your bars will hold together.
Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and luscious—no lumps, just creamy pumpkin goodness ready to pour over your crust.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts now, just before baking. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Resisting the tempting aroma is tough, but let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps the filling firm up and makes slicing much easier. Once cool, cut the bars into 16 neat squares and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars
Garnishes
A beautiful finish makes these bars even more special. Try a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top of each bar for an elegant, inviting touch. Feeling decadent? Caramel sauce and toasted pecans are always a hit with Pumpkin Pie Bars.
Side Dishes
These treats are wonderfully rich, so pair them with light, fresh accompaniments. A fruit salad, crisp apple slices, or a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt balance the flavors and add brightness to your plate. If you’re serving them at a party, good coffee or spiced chai tea are the perfect sips to go alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun with your Pumpkin Pie Bars! Stack them on a rustic wooden board for cozy gatherings, or layer squares in decorative cupcake wrappers for an easy-to-hold treat at buffets. For autumn parties, arrange them in a leaf shape or on a platter ringed with fresh cranberries for a festive, seasonal look that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chill helps maintain their structure and brings out the creaminess of the filling, making them even tastier on day two!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Place individual bars on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be delicious for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge whenever a pumpkin craving strikes.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For a just-baked taste and aroma, a quick five-minute warm-up in a low oven (300°F) also works beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works deliciously in Pumpkin Pie Bars. Just make sure it’s thick, well-drained, and close in texture to canned puree for best results.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you’d like, swap sweetened condensed milk for an equal amount of evaporated milk and 3/4 cup of sugar, but keep in mind the bars may have a slightly less creamy texture.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make gluten-free Pumpkin Pie Bars that still hold together beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply use two pans or a larger sheet pan, and scale the ingredients accordingly. Watch the baking time closely and check for doneness before removing from the oven.
How should I cut clean, neat bars?
Cool your Pumpkin Pie Bars completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water (wiping between cuts) for smooth, bakery-style edges. For extra precision, use a ruler to guide even squares!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the aroma of spiced pumpkin and buttery crust filling your kitchen, and these Pumpkin Pie Bars are a joyous, crowd-pleasing riff on the classic. They’re easy to whip up, even easier to serve, and guaranteed to bring smiles at family gatherings or just because. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe all fall (and maybe beyond)!
Print
Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars. A buttery crust supports a creamy pumpkin filling, making these bars the perfect treat for the autumn season.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
For the filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press crust mixture into the pan.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts over the crust before adding the filling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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