Imagine the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare Pumpkin Pie Bars.
This delightful dessert is a breeze to make, offering a cozy twist on the classic pie.
With just a few simple steps, watch how basic pantry ingredients transform into a rich, creamy delight with a buttery oat crust.
Perfect for any gathering, these bars invite you to indulge in the flavors of fall. Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cup set
- 1 Measuring spoon set
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted
- 1 can (15 ounces) Pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 ounces) Evaporated milk
- 2 Large eggs
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pumpkin Pie Bars, you can create a timeline that incorporates all necessary steps, including the additional time needed for reading the recipe. Here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading the Recipe:
- Allocate about 5 minutes to thoroughly read through the entire recipe and instructions to guarantee you understand the process and have all ingredients and equipment ready.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- 0-5 minutes: Gather all ingredients and equipment (baking sheet, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cup and spoon set, 9×13 inch baking dish).
- 5-10 minutes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 10-15 minutes: Grease the 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Crust Preparation (10 minutes):
- 15-20 minutes: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar.
- 20-25 minutes: Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- 25-30 minutes: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Filling Preparation (10 minutes):
- 30-35 minutes: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assembly & Baking (50 minutes):
- 35-40 minutes: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- 40-90 minutes: Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cooling & Resting Time (1 hour):
- 90-150 minutes: Let the bars cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before cutting them into squares.
- Final Steps:
- After the 1-hour cooling period, cut the bars into squares and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust the timeline slightly if needed, based on your cooking pace and any additional ingredients or modifications you choose to incorporate.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar.
Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before cutting them into squares.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and delightful dessert pairing.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for a rich, sweet addition.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant touch.
Storage
Pumpkin Pie Bars should be stored in an airtight container.
Refrigerate them for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Confirm bars are fully cooled before sealing. This will prevent condensation.
Freezing
To freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars, wrap each cooled bar individually in plastic wrap.
Then place them in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Pumpkin Pie Bars, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of pumpkin pie with the convenience of a bar.
They’re perfect for serving at gatherings or as a comforting dessert at home.
With a simple crust made from flour, oats, and brown sugar, and a luscious pumpkin filling, these bars are bound to please any crowd.
Make certain to follow the instructions closely for best results.
Ascertain all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to guarantee even blending.
Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will help in achieving clean slices.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
You can use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree. Roast and puree it until smooth. Make sure it’s drained well to prevent excess moisture. This method enhances the flavor, pairing beautifully with cinnamon and cloves for a richer taste.
What Is the Nutritional Information for Each Serving?
You’ll find each serving has about 250 calories, 12g fat, 34g carbs, and 4g protein. Balancing sweetness and spices, pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful taste contrast. Enjoy every bite!
Are These Bars Gluten-Free or Can They Be Made Gluten-Free?
They’re not gluten-free as written, but you can easily make them gluten-free. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Verify oats are certified gluten-free. These adjustments maintain texture and flavor, pairing beautifully with whipped cream.
Can I Substitute Honey for the Brown Sugar?
You can substitute honey for brown sugar, but use less since it’s sweeter. Reduce any liquid slightly to maintain consistency. Honey adds a lovely floral note, pairing well with spices like cinnamon and ginger for enhanced flavor.
What Is the Best Way to Transport the Bars for a Party?
To transport bars, use a sturdy, airtight container. Layer wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Secure the lid tightly. Consider pairing with a cinnamon-spiced cream for serving, enhancing those warm autumn flavors at your party.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounces)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before cutting them into squares.
Notes
