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Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars
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These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer a cozy, creamy, and perfectly spiced fall dessert with a buttery crust and classic pumpkin pie flavors. Easy to prepare in under an hour, they are ideal for gatherings, snacks, or anytime you crave a comforting seasonal treat with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 1/2 cups
  • Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup
  • Cold Butter, cubed – 1/2 cup (1 stick)
  • Salt – 1/4 teaspoon

For the Filling

  • Pumpkin Puree – 1 can (15 oz)
  • Evaporated Milk – 1 can (12 oz)
  • Brown Sugar – 3/4 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) – 2 teaspoons total (e.g., 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, pinch of cloves)
  • Salt – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of the pan to form the crust base.
  2. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes to set it slightly, ensuring a crisp base that won’t get soggy with the filling.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground spices, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Pour and Spread: Once the crust is lightly baked, carefully pour the pumpkin filling over it. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, reaching all corners for uniform coverage.
  5. Final Bake: Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set and jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Avoid overbaking to maintain the custard-like texture.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. This helps the filling firm up for clean, neat cuts.

Notes

  • Keep butter cold before mixing to ensure a flaky crust texture.
  • Use freshly ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for the best flavor.
  • Mix filling ingredients gently to avoid air bubbles and cracks.
  • The filling should be mostly set but slightly soft in the middle when done.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pie bars, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, creamy pumpkin bars, fall baking

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/pumpkin-pie-bars/