Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, there’s a sweet, spiced magic in the air that beckons for comforting desserts. This is where my Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars come into play, elegantly combining the nostalgic flavors of traditional pumpkin pie into a portable, crowd-friendly treat. With a soft, buttery crust that cradles a creamy pumpkin filling, these bars are not only easy to whip up—no pie pan necessary—but they’re also destined to become a favorite at your fall gatherings. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of optional sour cream topping adds a delightful tang that takes them over the top. Who’s ready to savor autumn’s best flavors in bar form? Why Are Pumpkin Pie Bars So Irresistible? Uniquely delicious: These Pumpkin Pie Bars capture the essence of traditional pumpkin pie, making them a perfect, portable dessert for gatherings. Effortless to prepare: With no pie pan required, this easy recipe simplifies your baking experience, ensuring you can whip them up in no time. Creamy texture: The buttery crust paired with the silky pumpkin filling creates a delightful mouthfeel that keeps getting better with every bite. Crowd-pleaser: These bars offer flavors that everyone loves, making them a hit at fall festivities. For an extra special touch, consider serving them alongside a slice of Banana Split Bars for a delightful dessert spread! Pumpkin Pie Bars Ingredients • Let’s gather what you need to create these delightful Pumpkin Pie Bars! For the Crust Butter – Provides richness and flavor; use unsalted for more control over salt levels. Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the crust and adds caramel notes; granulated sugar works as a substitute. All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the crust; swap for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Salt – Enhances flavor in both crust and filling; kosher or table salt is fine to use. For the Filling Pumpkin Purée – The star ingredient, adding moisture and flavor; canned or homemade purée is great. Eggs – Bind the filling together; consider using flax eggs for a vegan alternative. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; brown sugar can be used for a richer taste. Pumpkin Pie Spice – Imparts warm spice notes; if needed, substitute with individual spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the filling; half-and-half is a lighter alternative. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor; optional but highly recommended. Optional Topping Sour Cream – Used for a whipped topping that adds a delightful tang; Greek yogurt is a good substitute. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Bars Step 1: Prepare the Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by greasing a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add in all-purpose flour and salt, combining until you have a crumbly mixture. Transfer this crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press it down firmly, then prick the surface lightly with a fork. Step 2: Bake the Crust Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 28-32 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it, as you want it firm but not overly browned. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will hint at its deliciousness. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling. Step 3: Make the Filling In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until everything is fully blended and smooth. The filling should be creamy and have a vibrant orange color. This mixture captures the essence of traditional pumpkin pie, ensuring your Pumpkin Pie Bars will be rich and flavorful. Set aside this luscious filling while you get ready to combine it with the crust. Step 4: Combine and Bake Pour the beautifully prepared filling gently over the baked crust, making sure it spreads evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 32-35 minutes. The filling should be set but may have a slight jiggle in the center when done—this is perfect! As it bakes, the heavenly aroma of spiced pumpkin will fill your home, promising a delightful treat. Step 5: Cool and Serve Once out of the oven, allow the Pumpkin Pie Bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial, as it helps the filling firm up a little more. After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Optionally, top with a whipped sour cream before slicing into squares, giving each bite a lovely tang. Expert Tips for Pumpkin Pie Bars Butter Softness: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for effortless mixing with sugar, creating a smooth crust. Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the baking process; the bars should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out to avoid a dry texture. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing. Chilling them in the fridge will help you achieve clean cuts. Pumpkin Purée Choice: Opt for fresh or canned pumpkin purée, but remember to drain any excess moisture if using fresh to prevent a soggy filling. Flavor Boosting: For an even richer taste, consider mixing in a splash of maple syrup with your pumpkin filling. This special addition enhances the overall flavor of your Pumpkin Pie Bars. Pumpkin Pie Bars Variations & Substitutions Unlock your creativity in the kitchen as you explore these delightful variations to customize your Pumpkin Pie Bars! Sweet Potato Swap: Substitute pumpkin purée with sweet potato for a unique flavor twist that brings a touch of sweetness. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to keep these bars gluten-friendly, making them suitable for everyone! Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for an added crunch and depth of flavor. This twist elevates the texture while creating a lovely nuttiness that complements the pumpkin. Chocolate Chips: Include dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolate pumpkin bar variation that adds a decadent flair. Imagine biting into the creamy filling, only to encounter delightful bursts of chocolate! Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground black pepper for a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Coconut Cream Topping: Instead of sour cream, consider using whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free topping that adds a tropical twist without sacrificing flavor. Maple Drizzle: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the bars before serving for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances their fall-inspired taste. It’s a simple addition that can make a big difference! Chai Spices: Swap the pumpkin pie spice for a chai spice blend to infuse your bars with aromatic and exotic flavors. Think cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger blending into every bite! For those who want to extend the dessert charm, pair these Pumpkin Pie Bars with some {{Coffee Pie Indulge}} or end on a lighter note with a slice of delightful {{Banana Split Bars}}. The options are endless—get ready to make these pumpkin bars your own! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Pie Bars are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance—just press it into the pan, prick it, and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The creamy filling can also be whisked together up to 3 days ahead of time; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This way, your delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars will taste just as amazing, providing you with a delightful dessert with minimal effort! What to Serve with Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Warm spices and creamy goodness beckon for delightful pairings to elevate your dessert experience! Whipped Cream: A classic pairing; the light, airy texture complements the dense, rich filling beautifully. Evaporated Milk Drizzle: Pouring a bit of evaporated milk over your bars adds a silky richness that enhances every bite. Chai Tea: The spiced notes of chai tea harmonize wonderfully with pumpkin, creating a cozy, comforting duo. Cinnamon Ice Cream: This creamy, cool treat swirls in perfectly with the warm flavors of the bars, providing a refreshing contrast. Caramel Sauce Topping: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce brings a sweet, buttery flavor that dances on your palate. For a fun twist, a slice of spiced apple bread alongside your bars can offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors that embody autumn. Enjoy exploring these delightful pairings! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars Fridge: Store Pumpkin Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and flavor. Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. They will thaw beautifully whenever you’re ready to enjoy them again! Reheating: For the best taste, reheat the bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, sprinkling with a little whipped cream for added indulgence. Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, you can leave the bars out for up to 2 hours; beyond that, they should be refrigerated to keep safe. Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select the best pumpkin purée? For the best flavor, opt for 100% pure pumpkin purée, whether canned or homemade. If using fresh pumpkin, select small, sugar pumpkins that are grown specifically for baking, as they provide a sweeter, richer flavor. Ensure that the purée is smooth and free of any excess water, as this can lead to a soggy filling. How should I store leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars? Store your Pumpkin Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are well-sealed to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. For the best taste, enjoy them chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving! Can I freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars? Absolutely! To freeze your Pumpkin Pie Bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. What should I do if my bars are too moist? If your Pumpkin Pie Bars are excessively moist, it’s often due to too much liquid in the pumpkin purée. To remedy this, ensure that you drain any excess moisture from homemade purée. Additionally, you can bake the bars a few minutes longer, watching closely to prevent them from overbaking, or chill them in the fridge to help firm them up. Are there any allergy considerations I should keep in mind? Yes! This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, so if you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using flax eggs and a dairy-free cream alternative to make it suitable for vegan diets. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure there are no cross-contaminations, especially for gluten or nut allergies. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? The more the merrier! You can customize your Pumpkin Pie Bars by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for extra texture. If you want a spicier kick, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or experimenting with different spices. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if necessary! Dreamy Pumpkin Pie Bars for Cozy Fall Gatherings Delight in these Pumpkin Pie Bars, a portable twist on classic dessert flavors perfect for fall gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Butter unsalted, softened1 cup Light Brown Sugar2 cups All-Purpose Flour1/2 teaspoon Salt kosher or table saltFor the Filling1 can Pumpkin Purée canned or homemade3 large Eggs1 cup Granulated Sugar2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optionalOptional Topping1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt Equipment 9" x 13" baking panMixing BowlwhiskMixer Method Prepare the CrustPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9" x 13" baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until creamy. Add in all-purpose flour and salt, combining until crumbly. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and prick the surface with a fork.Bake the CrustBake for about 28-32 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool slightly.Make the FillingWhisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. Set aside.Combine and BakePour filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 32-35 minutes until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.Cool and ServeAllow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Lift the bars out using parchment paper. Optionally, top with whipped sour cream before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Keep an eye on the bake time for best texture. Let cool before slicing for cleaner cuts and flavor improvement. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
