Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

These Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, perfect for the fall season. They boast an inviting oat crust, a rich pumpkin filling enriched with seasonal spices, and are crowned with a brown sugar pecan topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes these bars a crowd-pleaser, ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any fall celebration. The oat crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the pumpkin filling is creamy and infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The brown sugar pecan topping provides a sweet and nutty finish, making each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

• Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Filling:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) pumpkin puree
  • 2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt

• Toppings:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Add the beaten eggs and mix until well combined.

5. Pour the Filling: Pour the pumpkin filling over the baked crust.

6. Bake the Filling: Bake the filling for 45-50 minutes, or until it is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.

7. Prepare the Toppings: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the pumpkin filling.

8. Bake the Toppings: Bake the bars for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Top Tips

1. Use High-Quality Spices: Freshly ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger will enhance the flavor of your pumpkin pie bars.

2. Don’t Overmix the Crust: Mix the crust ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can make the crust tough.

3. Let the Bars Cool Completely: Cooling the bars completely will help them set properly and make them easier to cut.

4. Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans will provide a better texture and flavor compared to stale ones.

5. Experiment with Toppings: Try using different types of nuts or even chocolate chips for a unique twist on the classic topping.

6. Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations

1. Chocolate Pecan Topping: Mix in some melted chocolate with the pecans and brown sugar for a chocolatey twist.

2. Walnut Crust: Replace the oats with chopped walnuts for a nutty crust.

3. Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the cooled bars for an extra layer of sweetness.

4. Cinnamon Swirl: Mix some cinnamon into the topping mixture and create a swirl pattern on top of the bars before baking.

5. Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some shredded coconut flakes over the topping for a tropical twist.

6. Pistachio Pecan Topping: Mix some chopped pistachios with the pecans and brown sugar for a unique flavor combination.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes:
These pumpkin pie bars are relatively low in fat and high in carbohydrates due to the oat crust and pumpkin filling. The brown sugar and pecan topping add natural sweetness and texture. They are a great option for those looking for a comforting dessert that is not overly rich. However, if you are watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or using a sugar substitute.