Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spices (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake briefly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the crust is just set and beginning to turn golden, about 15 minutes.
- Mix the pumpkin filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, canned pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spices, and salt until smooth and fully combined. This will be the creamy center of the bars.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 35-40 minutes. This ensures a soft, luscious texture.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Then chill in the refrigerator to firm up before cutting into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
Notes
- Chill the crust mixture beforehand to keep the butter cold and ensure a flaky crust.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should remain slightly jiggly to avoid dryness.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for more intense pumpkin spice flavor.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier lifting and cleaner cuts.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for neat edges and to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Pie Bars, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Bars, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Pumpkin Pie Filling, Fall Recipes, Holiday Dessert