Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic holiday favorite, combining a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling. Perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dessert, they are easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift out the bars later.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into 12 bars.
- Serve: Optionally, top each bar with whipped cream before serving for an extra creamy finish.
Notes
- You can use a gingersnap crust instead of graham crackers for a spicier crust option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make sure to chill the bars well before slicing to get clean cuts.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
