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Sturdy Pumpkin Pie Bars: 1 Simple Trick

Pumpkin Pie Bars
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These Pumpkin Pie Bars offer the classic flavor of pumpkin pie in a sturdy, easy-to-handle bar form. They hold together beautifully, making them perfect for fall gatherings when you need a dessert that travels well and doesn’t require a fork.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crust.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Add these spices to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until just combined.
  8. Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
  10. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for them to set up properly.
  11. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the best bar structure, make sure your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pre-spiced pie filling.
  • Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting helps them hold their shape perfectly.
  • You can dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/pumpkin-pie-bars-hold-shape-recipe/