Why You’ll Adore Our Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars

Our Pumpkin Pie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation: Using a cake mix for the crust and topping drastically cuts down on prep time, making this an ideal recipe for busy bakers or those new to fall desserts. You get that homemade taste without the extra effort!
• Perfectly Portioned: Unlike traditional pies, bars are inherently easy to slice and serve. They’re excellent for potlucks, parties, or simply packing into lunchboxes.
• Creamy & Crumbly Texture: Each bite delivers a delightful contrast – a tender, buttery crust, a smooth and spiced pumpkin layer, and a crunchy, sweet pecan crumb topping. It’s a symphony of textures!
• Iconic Fall Flavors: Packed with real pumpkin and classic pumpkin pie spice, these bars truly embody the essence of autumn. The warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves will fill your kitchen and delight your taste buds.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a milder crust or a spice-packed one, our recipe offers easy substitutions to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Prepare to impress your family and friends with these delectable pumpkin treats. Let’s get baking!

Pumpkin Pie Bar Recipe: Quick At-A-Glance Details

Get ready to bake a batch of these incredible Pumpkin Pie Bars. Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

• Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Around 1 hour
• Total Time: Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yields: 16 generous servings
• Calories: 359 kcal per serving (based on a 2000 calorie diet)
• Author: Tammilee Tips

For your convenience, you can easily Print this Recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars

Gather these simple ingredients to create your masterpiece. Quality ingredients make all the difference in flavor and texture!

For the Buttery Cake Mix Crust:

• 1 package white cake mix: (typically 15.25 oz or 432g) This forms the foundation of our bars. Remember to divide it, reserving 1 cup for the topping.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This allows it to blend smoothly with the cake mix, creating a tender, cohesive crust.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping the crust ingredients come together perfectly.

For the Creamy, Spiced Pumpkin Filling:

• 3 large eggs: These help set the pumpkin filling, giving it a custardy texture similar to traditional pie.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the filling moist. Packing it ensures you get the right amount.
• 3 ½ cups pumpkin puree: Crucially, ensure this is 100% pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sweeteners. The pure pumpkin provides that authentic, earthy pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup evaporated milk: Adds a creamy richness to the filling without making it too heavy.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: This pre-mixed blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is the heart of our fall flavor profile, giving the bars their signature warmth.

For the Crumbly Pecan Topping:

• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and depth of the crumb topping, complementing the spice.
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A little extra spice in the topping boosts the overall aromatic experience.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumb topping ingredients, creating those irresistible clusters.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy filling. You can lightly toast them before chopping for enhanced flavor.

Ingredient Tip: If you don’t have white cake mix on hand, or simply want to experiment, a yellow cake mix works beautifully for the crust and topping. For an even more intense, warm spice flavor that truly shines with the pumpkin, try using a spice cake mix. It adds an extra layer of autumn deliciousness that will truly impress your guests!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake the Best Pumpkin Pie Bars

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping fall dessert:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly grease a standard 13×9 inch (33×23 cm) baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your bars.

Preparing the Delicious Crust:

3. Reserve Cake Mix: Measure out 1 cup of the dry white cake mix and set it aside in a separate bowl. This portion will be used later for your crumbly topping, so don’t forget this crucial step!
4. Combine Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining dry cake mix, the ½ cup of softened butter, and the 1 large egg.
5. Mix Crust: Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer), beat the mixture on low speed for about 1 minute, or until it comes together in a crumbly consistency. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
6. Press Crust into Pan: Press this crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 13×9 inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your clean fingers to create a compact, uniform layer. This forms the essential base of your pumpkin pie bars.

Crafting the Creamy Pumpkin Filling:

7. Combine Filling Ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, add the 3 eggs, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 3 ½ cups pumpkin puree, ½ cup evaporated milk, and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
8. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of brown sugar or unincorporated pumpkin.
9. Pour Over Crust: Carefully pour this luscious pumpkin filling evenly over the pressed crust in your baking pan. Gently spread it if needed to cover the entire crust.

Adding the Irresistible Crumb Topping:

10. Prepare Crumb Mixture: In the small bowl with the reserved 1 cup of dry white cake mix, add the ⅓ cup packed brown sugar and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix these ingredients until they are crumbly and resemble coarse sand.
11. Add Pecans: Stir in the 1 cup of chopped pecans into the crumb mixture. These will add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
12. Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle this delicious crumbly pecan topping over the pumpkin filling. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible for the best texture in every bite.
13. Bake Bars: Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The bars are ready when the pumpkin filling is set (it shouldn’t jiggle much when gently shaken) and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The crumb topping should also be golden brown and fragrant.
14. Cool Completely: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the pumpkin pie bars cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly and prevents them from falling apart when cut. For best results, allow them to cool for several hours or even chill them in the refrigerator before cutting into neat squares.

Expert Tips and Delightful Variations for Your Pumpkin Pie Bars

Elevate your pumpkin pie bars with these helpful tips and creative variations:

Cake Mix Substitutions:

As mentioned in the ingredients, while a white cake mix provides a subtle vanilla base, don’t hesitate to experiment! A yellow cake mix will also yield a delicious, slightly richer crust and topping. For those who crave an extra layer of autumnal spice, a spice cake mix is an excellent choice. It amplifies the warm, cozy flavors and pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin filling, adding more depth to your bars.

Serving Suggestions:

These bars are fantastic on their own, but a little garnish can take them to the next level. Consider serving them:

• With a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Drizzled with a touch of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice.
• Alongside a hot cup of coffee, a Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte, or a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.

Storage Tips:

To keep your Pumpkin Pie Bars fresh and delicious:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making them arguably even better the next day!
• For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Additional Topping Ideas:

Want to switch up the topping? Try these ideas:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A simple cream cheese frosting can add a tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the pumpkin.
• Streusel without Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, simply omit them from the topping. The buttery brown sugar crumb is delicious on its own.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pumpkin filling before adding the crumb topping for a delightful chocolate-pumpkin combination.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Pumpkin Pie Bars

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: A sturdy pan of this size is crucial for achieving the correct bar thickness and ensuring even baking. Glass or metal pans both work well.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the crust mixture and one for the pumpkin filling.
• Electric Mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a good quality hand mixer will make light work of combining the crust ingredients and whisking the filling until smooth.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly blending the pumpkin filling ingredients, ensuring a smooth and lump-free consistency.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Useful for combining the topping ingredients to create a perfect crumbly texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in baking is key, so make sure you have a reliable set for precise measurements.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the pan, helping the bars cool evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

On a related note, ensuring kitchen safety is paramount, especially when baking with a hot oven. We learned this lesson firsthand a few years ago when a cloth potholder accidentally caught fire on a hot burner. It was a scary moment, but thankfully, we were walking by the kitchen and saw the smoke, allowing us to quickly extinguish it ourselves. This incident was a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can happen. Since then, we’ve exclusively relied on high-quality heat-resistant silicone potholders. They’re a small investment for significant peace of mind in the kitchen and an essential item for any baker!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Pie Bars

We’ve answered some common questions to help you perfect your pumpkin pie bars:

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you can! You’ll need to roast, puree, and drain the excess moisture from your fresh pumpkin first. For this recipe, ensure you have 3 ½ cups of pure, smooth pumpkin puree. Using canned pumpkin puree is often more convenient and provides consistent results.

Q: How do I know when my pumpkin pie bars are fully baked?
A: The bars are fully baked when the center of the pumpkin filling is set and no longer appears liquid or excessively wobbly when the pan is gently shaken. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The topping should also be golden brown.

Q: My crust came out too hard/too crumbly. What went wrong?
A: If your crust is too hard, you might have pressed it too firmly or over-baked it slightly. If it’s too crumbly, ensure your butter was properly softened and that you mixed the ingredients until they were just combined enough to form a cohesive, crumbly dough that can be pressed into the pan. Not reserving enough cake mix for the topping can also alter the crust’s texture.

Q: Can I make these pumpkin pie bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Pumpkin pie bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container.

Discover More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

If you’re like us and can’t get enough of pumpkin during the fall season (or any time of year!), then you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes from Tammilee Tips. Dive into a world of cozy flavors and create more delightful dishes:

• Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: Warm up on a chilly day with this incredibly easy, slow-cooker pumpkin spice latte. It’s perfect for a crowd and even includes a delightful boozy variation for adult enjoyment.
• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: Craving your favorite frosty fall drink from Starbucks? Our copycat recipe lets you recreate the iconic Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino right in your own kitchen!
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: A classic and beloved combination! These moist pumpkin muffins are studded with sweet chocolate chips, making them an ideal breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
• 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For those mornings when you need a quick and effortless pumpkin fix, these incredibly simple muffins are your go-to solution. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor!
• Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds: Don’t let those pumpkin seeds go to waste after carving! Roast them with our special pumpkin pie spice blend for a crunchy, savory-sweet, and irresistible snack.

Beyond our delightful pumpkin creations, be sure to explore all of our versatile White Cake Mix Recipes for more easy baking solutions that start with a simple box mix. You’ll also find an extensive collection of Canned Pumpkin Recipes, perfect for year-round autumn inspiration and using up those pantry staples.

Craving more culinary adventures? Dive into our popular recipe categories like Copycat Recipes (recreate restaurant favorites at home!), a wide array of luscious Dessert Recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes for effortless meal planning and delicious slow-cooked meals.

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