Description
These pumpkin pie bars offer a delightful twist on a classic Thanksgiving dessert. They feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, spiced pumpkin filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are easier to serve than a traditional pie.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the evaporated milk.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the spice mixture to the pumpkin filling and stir until well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer crust, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust dough.
- Ensure your pumpkin puree is unsweetened and not pre-spiced.
- Allow bars to cool completely for clean cuts.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe, Thanksgiving Pumpkin Dessert, Pumpkin Squares, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Pumpkin Bar Recipes, Pumpkin Pie Recipe, Fall Baking, Holiday Dessert, Thanksgiving Dessert