Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars feature a buttery homemade crust, smooth pumpkin filling, and cinnamon crumb topping. They are easy to prepare, simple to slice, and perfect for fall gatherings, holiday desserts, or make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin pie mix, not pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Melt the butter and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl.
5. Pour in the cooled melted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms.
6. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
7. Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Whisk the pumpkin pie mix, egg, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl until smooth.
9. Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
10. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the pumpkin layer.
11. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the center is set.
12. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely.
13. Lift the bars from the pan with the parchment paper and cut them into 9 squares.
Notes
Use canned pumpkin pie mix rather than plain pumpkin puree because the pie mix already contains sweeteners and spices.
Cool the melted butter before mixing it with the dry ingredients for the best crumb texture.
Do not overbake the bars because the filling can dry out or crack.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing so the filling can firm up.
For cleaner cuts, chill the bars for about 1 hour and wipe the knife between slices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each bar individually and place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled or let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary according to serving size and ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg