Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

Welcome to our delicious pumpkin pie bars recipe. It’s a mix of a graham cracker crust and creamy pumpkin filling. It’s easy to make and perfect for pumpkin pie lovers.

These bars are great for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. The filling is creamy, thanks to cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree.

Our recipe makes up to 24 servings. Each serving has 231 calories, 33g of carbs, and 4g of protein. It’s a healthy option that’s also rich in Vitamin A and calcium.

Key Takeaways

• Our pumpkin pie bars recipe is easy to make and serves up to 24 people.
• The crust is made with 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter.
• The filling is made with 16 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, and 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree.
• Each serving contains 231 calories, 33g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.
• Our pumpkin pie bars recipe is high in Vitamin A and calcium, and provides 2mg of Vitamin C per serving.
• This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a taste of autumn, and is a great example of an easy pumpkin pie bars recipe.
• With our pumpkin pie bars recipe, you’ll have a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, and is a great option for those looking for an easy pumpkin pie bars recipe.

Introduction to Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin pie bars are a tasty twist on the classic pumpkin pie. You can make homemade pumpkin pie bars for any occasion, like the holidays. They offer a unique taste and texture that everyone will love.

The magic of best pumpkin pie bars lies in their crumbly crust and creamy filling. Pumpkin pie has a long history, starting in colonial America. It became a Thanksgiving favorite, and the bar version is now a crowd-pleaser.

• A shortbread crust made with just a few ingredients
• A creamy pumpkin filling made with real pumpkin puree and spices
• A convenient and easy-to-serve format, perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings

By making your own homemade pumpkin pie bars, you get the best ingredients and flavors. They’re perfect for parties or a special family treat. Best pumpkin pie bars are a delicious choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty pumpkin dessert, you’ll need several ingredients. For a classic fall treat, start with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar for the crust. The filling needs pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

These spices are key for that pumpkin pie taste in your dessert. Using real brands and ingredients ensures your dessert is authentic and of high quality. Common ingredients in pumpkin pie bars include:

• Butter
• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Salt
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Essential Ingredients for the Bars

Having the right ingredients is crucial for your pumpkin dessert. This includes pantry staples and fresh items like eggs and pumpkin puree. These ingredients help you make a delicious, authentic fall dessert perfect for any time.

Optional Toppings and Variations

To make your pumpkin dessert even better, try optional toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce. You can also try different crusts or add a cream cheese layer for a unique twist. This way, you can create a special fall dessert that will wow everyone.

Tools and Equipment

To make delicious pumpkin bars, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A 9×13-inch baking pan is perfect for the right thickness and even baking. You can crush graham crackers with a food processor or blender, or use a rolling pin and a zip-top bag instead.

Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and a whisk or electric mixer are key for mixing ingredients. A rubber spatula is handy for scraping the bowl and spreading the filling.

A glass or metal 9×13-inch pan is best for this pumpkin spice bars recipe. For thicker bars, try a 9×9-inch square pan. Just remember to adjust the baking time. Here are the must-have kitchen tools and recommended baking dishes:

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Food processor or blender
• Rolling pin and zip-top bag
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula

Recommended Baking Dishes

• Glass or metal 9×13-inch pan
• 9×9-inch square pan (for thicker bars)

With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make delicious pumpkin bars. Choose the right baking dish for perfect results.

Preparing the Crust

To make a delicious pumpkin pie bars recipe, start with a solid foundation – the crust. The crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix these ingredients until they resemble wet sand. This ensures your crust will hold together well.

When pressing the crust into your baking dish, use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. This creates an even layer. Press firmly to ensure a compact crust that won’t crumble when sliced. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture adds extra flavor to your pumpkin pie bars. Let the crust cool completely after pre-baking to maintain its crisp texture.

How to Mix Your Crust Ingredients

Mixing the crust ingredients is easy. Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until they reach the right consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.

Tips for Perfectly Pressing the Crust

Pressing the crust into the baking dish needs care. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to create an even layer. Press firmly to ensure the crust is compact. This helps prevent the crust from crumbling when sliced. By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious and sturdy crust for your simple pumpkin pie bars.

Making the Pumpkin Filling

To make the perfect filling for your easy pumpkin pie bars, start by mixing pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, and sugar until smooth. The secret to great flavor is in the spices. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for a warm, inviting taste.

For a smooth filling, use an electric mixer or blender. This ensures all ingredients mix well. The filling should be pourable but not too thin. It will set as it bakes, giving you a creamy texture. Some people add vanilla extract or cloves for extra flavor.

Remember, the recipe uses half of a 15-ounce can of pumpkin and half of a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk. This makes the recipe perfect for smaller batches, reducing waste. Follow these steps to make delicious and easy pumpkin pie bars for any occasion.

Simple Steps for a Creamy Filling

• Whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, and sugar until smooth
• Add spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, to taste
• Use an electric mixer or blender for an extra-smooth filling
• Adjust the filling consistency to be pourable but not too thin

How to Flavor Your Pumpkin Pie Bars

To enhance your homemade pumpkin pie bars, add vanilla extract or cloves. Try different spice mixes to find your favorite flavor. With these tips, you’ll make easy pumpkin pie bars that will wow your guests.

Baking Your Pumpkin Pie Bars

To make the best pumpkin pie bars, follow the right baking steps. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for these tasty bars. After your oven is ready, pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for about 45-60 minutes.

Watch your bars while they bake. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes. Shake the pan gently to see if the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. You can also check by inserting a knife near the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Timing and Temperature Considerations

Timing and temperature are key when baking pumpkin pie bars. The baking time can vary with different ovens. So, check the bars often to avoid overbaking. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

Remember, the bars will set more as they cool. It’s better to slightly underbake for that creamy texture. With these tips, you’ll make the best pumpkin pie bars that will impress everyone.

How to Test for Doneness

To make sure your pumpkin pie bars are perfect, follow these steps:

• Check the edges: If they’re lightly browned, it’s a good sign.
• Shake the pan: The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
• Insert a knife: It should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

By following these steps, you’ll create delicious pumpkin bars for any occasion. Whether at a party or as a snack, these best pumpkin pie bars will be a hit.

Serving Suggestions

Your pumpkin dessert recipe is now ready. It’s time to think about how to serve it. Pumpkin pie bars can be presented in many ways for any occasion. You can top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.

For a more elegant finish, try dusting the bars with powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, you can pipe whipped cream in decorative patterns on top of the bars. Another idea is to cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized treats at parties.

Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars

• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Pipe whipped cream in decorative patterns
• Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized treats

When it comes to drink pairings, these bars are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea, on a chilly autumn day. You can also try serving them with a pumpkin spice latte or a warm glass of spiced apple cider for a more indulgent experience.

Pairing Ideas with Drinks

With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your pumpkin pie bars in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying them at home, these fall dessert recipe favorites are sure to be a hit.

Storing and Reheating

After making your simple pumpkin pie bars, it’s key to store them right. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’ve made a lot, freezing is a great option. Cut them into pieces, wrap each in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

There are a few ways to enjoy your bars. They’re tasty chilled from the fridge. Or, let them warm up at room temperature for 30 minutes. For a fresh taste, microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. But, don’t overheat to keep them creamy.

Best Practices for Storage

To keep your bars fresh, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and flavorful. If freezing, label the container with the date and what’s inside.

How to Reheat for Maximum Flavor

Reheating your pumpkin spice bars is easy. You can microwave them quickly or warm them in the oven. Just check them often to avoid overheating. Or, let them come to room temperature for the best texture and taste.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your simple pumpkin pie bars for longer. They’ll stay a delicious treat for you and your family.

Special Dietary Adjustments

When making pumpkin pie bars, think about special diets. You can change this recipe to fit different needs, so everyone can enjoy them. For gluten-free bars, use almond flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup instead of graham crackers.

To make vegan bars, use cornstarch and water or a commercial egg replacer for eggs. Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy milk. The filling is already gluten-free, but check your spices and other ingredients for gluten. This way, you can make vegan and gluten-free pumpkin pie bars.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of these adapted pumpkin pie bars:

By making these simple changes, you can make a dessert that everyone can enjoy. So, get creative with your homemade pumpkin pie bars. Try new ingredients and flavors!

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As you finish this recipe for easy pumpkin pie bars, you’ll feel proud. These best pumpkin pie bars are fun to make and delicious to eat. The mix of a buttery crust and creamy, spiced pumpkin filling is amazing.

These bars are great for any event. They’re easy to take along and serve, perfect for gatherings or gifts. With simple ingredients and a little effort, you can share fall’s warmth with your loved ones.

So, start preheating your oven and get your ingredients ready. Bake these irresistible pumpkin pie bars and enjoy the autumn flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will love them.