Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer an easy and delicious twist on the classic pumpkin pie, featuring a buttery, tender crust topped with a spiced pumpkin filling. Perfect as a fall dessert or for Thanksgiving gatherings, they are simple to prepare and can be topped with whipped cream or chopped pecans for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk again until the mixture is smooth. Stir in evaporated milk until just combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the hot baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up for easier slicing.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares and top with whipped cream or chopped pecans if desired before serving.
Notes
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For cleaner slices, wipe your knife between each cut to prevent sticking.
- For added texture, consider adding a streusel topping on the crust before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
