Description
Pumpkin Pie Bars are a simple, delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie, featuring a buttery crust and smooth, spiced pumpkin filling. These handheld bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or cozy fall desserts.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, crushed pecans, or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, both sugars, evaporated milk, spices, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour filling over the warm crust. Return to oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Chill bars thoroughly for clean slices.
- Swap in graham cracker or gingersnap crust for extra flavor.
- Add a swirl of cream cheese or maple syrup to filling for variation.
- Freeze bars (with parchment between layers) for up to 2 months.
- Best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
