Description
These delightful pumpkin pie bars offer a streamlined, stress-free alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, perfect for busy hosts. Featuring a crunchy pecan and graham cracker crust layered with a smooth, velvety spiced pumpkin custard, these handheld treats are ideal for holiday gatherings and potlucks. They strike a perfect balance of nostalgic fall warmth, aromatic spice, and convenience, making them an essential addition to your autumn dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 ounces pure canned pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
While the crust is baking, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and eggs in a large bowl.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until the custard is smooth.
Pour the custard over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For a festive touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream before serving. Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pre-mixed pumpkin pie filling.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg