Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, my thoughts inevitably drift to the comforting flavors of autumn. These Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars capture the essence of the season with a perfectly buttery, brown sugar crust cradling a silky pumpkin filling. The best part? This delightful dessert requires no baking pie crust, making it a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, these bars are a crowd-friendly delight. With their quick prep and easy transport, you’ll be the star of any potluck or family gathering. So, are you ready to step into fall with these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bars? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why are Pumpkin Pie Bars a Must-Try? Warm, Cozy Flavors: These bars are bursting with the rich spices of fall, perfectly capturing the essence of pumpkin pie. No-Bake Hassle: Forget about rolling out dough! This recipe skips the complicated crust for a buttery base that’s easy to whip up. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings, these bars are portable and can be sliced into perfect portions for sharing. Quick Prep Time: With minimal effort, you can create a stunning dessert that’s ready to impress your guests in no time. Endless Variations: Try adding chocolate chips or topping with candied pecans for a unique twist on this classic. Pair them with a cup of warm coffee or some delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars for a seasonal dessert spread! Pumpkin Pie Bars Ingredients For the Crust Butter – Adds richness and flavor; for a dairy-free option, substitute with margarine. Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a caramel-like flavor; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a refined sugar alternative. All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the crust; use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Salt – Enhances flavor; a pinch of sea salt is a great alternative. For the Filling Pumpkin Puree – The heart of the filling; using fresh pumpkin puree enhances the flavor. Eggs – Help set the filling; for a vegan option, replace with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg). Sugar – Sweetens the filling; granulated sugar works well but can be swapped for maple syrup for a different taste. Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger) – Provide warmth and autumn flavors; pumpkin pie spice can be used as a handy substitute. Heavy Cream – Contributes creaminess to the filling; for a lighter alternative, opt for coconut cream or almond milk. For the Topping (Optional) Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt makes a good replacement or omit for a simpler dessert. With these ingredients at hand, you’re just steps away from creating your own batch of sumptuous Pumpkin Pie Bars that will surely delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Bars Step 1: Prepare the Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Gradually mix in flour and salt until the mixture appears crumbly. Press this crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and prick it with a fork to prevent bubbling; bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Step 2: Make the Filling While the crust is baking, gather a large mixing bowl and whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, and spices until fully blended. Aim for a smooth, velvety texture without lumps, which will ensure a delightful filling for your Pumpkin Pie Bars. Once mixed, set the filling aside while the crust continues to bake and develop a golden-brown hue. Step 3: Bake the Bars Once the crust is baked and has cooled briefly, pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 32 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Step 4: Cool and Slice After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow your Pumpkin Pie Bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges. Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan for easy cutting into squares. Enjoy these delightful bars at room temperature or slightly chilled for an extra refreshing experience. Step 5: Optional Topping For an indulgent touch, prepare the optional sour cream topping by beating heavy cream, sour cream, and sugar until soft peaks form. Once the Pumpkin Pie Bars are completely cooled, spread this creamy mixture generously over the top. Cut into squares again and serve, bringing a delightful creaminess that complements the spices of fall. Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Pie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it and then allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. The filling can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to finish, simply pour the chilled filling over the prepared crust and bake as directed. This not only makes your dessert stress-free but also ensures you enjoy just as deliciously fresh Pumpkin Pie Bars with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars Crust Consistency: Make sure to not overmix the crust; just combine until crumbly to avoid a tough texture. Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve neat, beautiful slices and avoid messy edges. Fresh Pumpkin Caution: If using fresh pumpkin puree, ensure it’s fully cooked and strained to prevent excess moisture, which can make the filling soggy. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the filling in the center; it should come out mostly clean when the bars are finished baking. Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to two months for later enjoyment of your Pumpkin Pie Bars. Pumpkin Pie Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to put your own spin on these Pumpkin Pie Bars and make them truly your own! Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich, dairy-free crust. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a luscious filling. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to create a crust that’s just as delightful as the original. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising kick that enhances the warm spices. Nutty Flavor: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and nuttiness. They add a lovely crunch that harmonizes beautifully with the softness of the bars. Maple Sweetened: Use pure maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for sweetening the filling. This substitution provides a deeper flavor profile that enhances the pumpkin goodness. Chocolate Lovers: Toss in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for a delightful chocolate-pumpkin fusion. It’s a dessert twist that chocolate lovers will appreciate! Graham Cracker Crust: For a different texture, use a crushed graham cracker base instead of the usual crust. It brings a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling. Lemon Zest Brightness: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note that complements the pumpkin beautifully. These variations will not only cater to different dietary preferences but also add exciting new flavors to your beloved Pumpkin Pie Bars! And if you’re looking for more sweet inspiration, be sure to try these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars or even a lively variation of Lime Pie Bars. What to Serve with Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Indulging in the rich, silky goodness of these bars invites a delightful array of pairings to elevate your fall dessert experience. Whipped Cream: A dollop enhances the creamy pumpkin filling, adding a light, airy texture that balances the richness perfectly. Spiced Cider: This warm drink brings a cozy touch, echoing the spices in the bars while its sweetness complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee contrasts the sweet bars, making each bite even more satisfying—perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up! Candied Pecans: Adding these crunchy nuts on top introduces a delightful crunch and a sweet, toasted flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smooth filling. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm pumpkin bars, making every bite feel indulgent. Ginger Snap Cookies: For an extra dose of fall flavors, serve with these spiced cookies; their zingy flavor perfectly complements the creamy pumpkin filling. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the bars enhances their sweetness and adds a luxurious touch, creating a decadent experience. Chai Tea: The cozy spices in chai mirror the pumpkin pie flavor profile, making this warm beverage a lovely partner for your dessert. Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake bring another creamy texture and flavor dimension, creating an exciting dessert platter to share with friends and family. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars Fridge: Store leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars covered in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and ready for snacking! Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw before serving. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy, just-baked feel. Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe pumpkin for making Pumpkin Pie Bars? Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, look for brand labels stating “100% pumpkin” without any additives. If you prefer fresh pumpkin, opt for smaller varieties such as sugar pumpkins; they tend to have a sweeter, denser flesh. Avoid large carving pumpkins as they can be watery and bland. How should I store leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars? Very! Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps them stay fresh and delicious. Covering them well is key to preventing them from drying out. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is a great option! Can I freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars? If so, how? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. What should I do if my filling is too runny? Oh no! If your pumpkin filling is runny, it may be due to excess moisture from fresh pumpkin or not enough eggs. To fix this, make sure your pumpkin puree is properly cooked and strained if fresh. If it’s already baked, don’t worry—simply allow it to cool completely before slicing. This will help the filling set a bit more. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Definitely! These Pumpkin Pie Bars can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, margarine can replace butter, and coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream. Always check the labels on your ingredients for any potential allergens. Can I make Pumpkin Pie Bars vegan? Very much so! To create a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs, using 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Ensure you also use dairy-free cream options. This way, everyone can enjoy this fall treat! These Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe FAQs should help you navigate any concerns and enhance your baking experience! Delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars That Whisk You Into Fall Bliss These Pumpkin Pie Bars are a comforting autumn dessert with a buttery crust and silky filling, perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Butter softened, for dairy-free option substitute with margarine1 cup Light Brown Sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for refined sugar alternative2 cups All-Purpose Flour use gluten-free all-purpose flour for gluten-free version1 teaspoon Salt a pinch of sea salt is a great alternativeFor the Filling1 can Pumpkin Puree using fresh pumpkin puree enhances the flavor3 large Eggs for vegan option, replace with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg)1 cup Sugar can be swapped for maple syrup for a different taste1 teaspoon Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice as a handy substitute1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg1/2 teaspoon Ginger1/2 cup Heavy Cream for lighter alternative, opt for coconut cream or almond milkFor the Topping (Optional)1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt makes a good replacement or omit for simpler dessert Equipment 9x13 inch baking panMixing BowlWhiskSpatula Method Crust PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9" x 13" baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Beat together softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy. Gradually mix in flour and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the pan, prick with a fork, and bake for 28 to 32 minutes until golden.Filling PreparationIn a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, and spices until smooth. Set aside while the crust bakes.Baking the BarsOnce the crust is baked, pour the pumpkin filling evenly over it. Spread with a spatula and bake for an additional 32 to 35 minutes until set and golden.Cooling and SlicingRemove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.Optional Topping PreparationFor the topping, beat heavy cream, sour cream, and sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over cooled bars and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, ensure the crust is not overmixed and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges. Store leftovers covered for up to a week in the fridge or freeze for up to two months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
