If you adore the comforting flavors of autumn but crave something a little more portable than classic pie, then this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a buttery, crumbly oat crust hugging a luscious pumpkin filling infused with warm spices and a hint of vanilla, all baked into perfectly sliceable bars that are as easy to share as they are to enjoy. These bars capture all the cozy goodness of pumpkin pie with a fresh twist that will have you reaching for seconds—and thirds—without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bars. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, spice, and richness that brings this dessert to life.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the sturdy base for the crust with just the right tenderness.
- Old-fashioned oats (½ cup): Adds a delightful chew and rustic texture to the crumbly crust.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Infuses the crust with a subtle molasses sweetness and deep flavor.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps lighten the crust for a perfect crumb without heaviness.
- Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon total): Brings warm aroma and spice, split between crust and filling.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon in crust, ¼ teaspoon in filling): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust for that satisfying crumbly texture.
- Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The star ingredient imparts creamy consistency and classic pumpkin flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the spices.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and help the filling set just right.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spicy notes with a hint of floral sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that gives the filling its signature warmth.
- Evaporated milk (¾ cup): Makes the filling creamy and luscious while keeping it light.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this step ensures your bars come out cleanly and beautifully. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Stir in the melted butter just until the mixture looks crumbly and holds together when pressed. Then, set aside ¾ cup of this mixture for the crumb topping and firmly press the rest into the bottom of your pan. Bake this crust for 15 minutes to set it up and bring a toasty aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
While the crust bakes, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and evaporated milk. Mixing until smooth is key here to ensure every bite has that silky texture and perfectly balanced spiced sweetness. This filling is the heart of the bars, and its velvety consistency makes you want to sneak a taste before baking.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust has baked and slightly cooled, pour the luscious pumpkin filling evenly over it, spreading gently to cover every corner. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the filling, which will bake into a delightful crunchy contrast to the smooth center. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is set with just a hint of wiggle and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. This bake time develops that perfect harmony of textures you’ll fall in love with.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
This is a crucial waiting game, but trust me, it’s so worth it. Let your Pumpkin Pie Bars cool completely in the pan; this allows everything to firm up nicely. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. The chilling helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier, ensuring every bar keeps its beautiful shape.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are lovely on their own, but a little extra touch can turn them into a showstopper. Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a creamy lightness or drizzle some caramel sauce to incorporate a buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the spices. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar also adds a delightful crunch and eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these Pumpkin Pie Bars alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or rich coffee for an indulgent autumnal treat. For an elegant gathering, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato—the temperature contrast makes every bite feel extra special. These bars also shine when served with fresh fruit like spiced apple slices or a simple mixed berry compote to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just make snack time more fun, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving on a pretty platter with mini forks. Layer them in a clear glass trifle dish with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies for a festive pumpkin parfait. Or individually wrap bars in parchment and tie with rustic twine—perfect for gifting or packed lunches that bring a little comfort everywhere they go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just tuck them into an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to preserve moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too hard. They’re a perfect grab-and-go snack or quick dessert to brighten your day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge to retain that just-baked texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your Pumpkin Pie Bars back to their warm, cozy glory, reheat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crunch and softens the filling just right without drying them out. You can also microwave a bar for 20 to 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method truly shines for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugars and spices that could throw off the balance of this recipe. Pure pumpkin puree gives you control over the flavor and sweetness in the bar filling.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This substitution will maintain the texture and taste while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these bars vegan?
You can experiment by replacing the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and swapping eggs for a vegan alternative like flax eggs. Use a dairy-free milk instead of evaporated milk. The flavor might vary slightly, but they can still be delicious!
Why does the recipe use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk adds creaminess without excess liquid, helping the filling set perfectly with a rich texture that’s more indulgent than regular milk but less heavy than cream.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The center should be mostly set with a slight jiggle, and a toothpick inserted near the middle should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry them out, so keeping a close eye in the last few minutes is key.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is a heartfelt twist on a traditional favorite that’s perfect for cozy get-togethers, holiday treats, or simply satisfying any pumpkin craving with less fuss. Once you experience the tender crumb crust contrasted with the dreamy pumpkin filling, you’ll understand why these bars become a staple in my kitchen. Go ahead, dive into the warmth and spice of fall with every delightful bite—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Bars combine a crumbly oat and brown sugar crust with a creamy spiced pumpkin filling, baked to perfection. Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy dessert offers classic pumpkin pie flavors in a portable bar form, topped with a buttery crumb for added texture and richness.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve ¾ cup of this crumbly mixture to use later as a topping.
- Form and bake the crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake this crust layer for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the pumpkin layer to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, indicating the filling is cooked through.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and to firm up the bars for easier slicing.
- Serve: Slice into 12 bars and serve chilled. Optionally, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
- These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a caramel drizzle as toppings.
