Pumpkin Pie Bars: Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. While pumpkin pie holds a special place on the Thanksgiving dessert table, pumpkin pie bars offer a delightful twist on the classic, providing a convenient and crowd-pleasing alternative. These bars are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and deliver the same warm, spiced pumpkin flavor we all crave. This guide will walk you through creating the perfect pumpkin pie bars, complete with tips, variations, and everything you need to make them a Thanksgiving tradition.

The Allure of Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin pie bars offer several advantages over traditional pumpkin pie. First, they are much easier to serve. Instead of carefully slicing a pie, you can simply cut the bars into squares, making them ideal for potlucks and gatherings where everyone can grab a piece. Second, they are highly portable. If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie bars are less likely to spill or get damaged than a pie.

Furthermore, pumpkin pie bars can be easily customized. You can adjust the crust thickness, add different toppings, or even swirl in other flavors like chocolate or caramel. This versatility allows you to create a unique dessert that perfectly suits your taste preferences. Finally, for those who find making pie crust intimidating, pumpkin pie bars often use a simple graham cracker crust or a press-in pastry crust, significantly simplifying the baking process.

Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making pumpkin pie bars involves a few key components: the crust, the filling, and any desired toppings. Let’s break down each step:

The Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crust: This is a classic choice for its simplicity and delicious flavor. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan. Pre-baking the crust helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• Pastry Crust: For a more traditional pie-like experience, you can use a homemade or store-bought pastry crust. Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, crimping the edges if desired. Pre-baking is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom. Blind bake the crust (covered with parchment paper and pie weights) at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cookie Crust: A shortbread or sugar cookie crust offers a sweet and buttery alternative. Simply press the cookie dough into the pan and bake until golden brown.

The Filling:

The filling is where the magic happens. Here’s a basic recipe:

• • Ingredients:

   1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

   1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

   2 large eggs

   1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

   ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

   ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

   Pinch of ground cloves

   ¼ teaspoon salt

• • Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

2.  Mix until smooth and well combined.

3.  Pour the filling over the prepared crust.

Baking:

• Bake the pumpkin pie bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.

Toppings and Variations:

• Whipped Cream: A classic topping that complements the warm spices of the pumpkin filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for added sweetness and richness.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle them on top for a chocolate pumpkin delight.
• Pecan Crumble: Create a pecan crumble topping by combining flour, butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle over the bars before baking.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl cream cheese filling into the pumpkin mixture for a tangy and decadent twist.
• Maple Glaze: A maple glaze adds a touch of autumnal sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bars

• Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your pumpkin pie bars will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry and cracked filling. Bake until the filling is just set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
• Let them cool completely: This is crucial for the filling to set properly and for easy slicing.
• Line the pan with parchment paper: This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into clean squares.
• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will help you cut clean, even slices. You can also dip the knife in warm water between slices for a smoother cut.
• Spice it up: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a little more pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or ginger.

Variations to Elevate Your Pumpkin Pie Bars

Beyond the classic toppings, here are some more creative variations to elevate your pumpkin pie bars:

• Gingerbread Crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed gingerbread cookies for a spiced crust that complements the pumpkin filling beautifully.
• Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie Bars: Swirl salted caramel sauce into the pumpkin filling and sprinkle sea salt on top after baking for a sophisticated sweet and salty treat.
• Espresso Pumpkin Pie Bars: Add a shot of espresso to the pumpkin filling for a hint of coffee flavor that enhances the warm spices.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars: Use a vegan graham cracker crust and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Bars: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free pastry crust. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Add a layer of cream cheese filling on top of the crust before adding the pumpkin filling. This creates a rich and decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds.

Serving and Storing Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin pie bars are best served chilled. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pumpkin pie bars will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

For an elegant presentation, dust the bars with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. Pumpkin pie bars are the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving feast or a delightful treat to enjoy any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Roast a pumpkin until tender, then puree the flesh in a food processor. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

• • Can I make pumpkin pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pumpkin pie bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

• • How do I prevent my pumpkin pie bars from cracking?

Avoid overbaking the bars. Bake them until the filling is just set. Also, allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Rapid temperature changes can cause cracking.

• • Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a variety of crusts, such as gingersnap cookies, shortbread cookies, or even a brownie crust.

• • Can I add nuts to the pumpkin pie bars?

Yes, you can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or other nuts to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the bars before baking.

• • Why did my crust get soggy?

If your crust is soggy, make sure to pre-bake it before adding the filling. Also, be sure to use enough butter or fat in the crust recipe to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.

• • Can I freeze pumpkin pie bars?

Yes! They can be frozen, though best to do so without any whipped cream topping.

• • What size pan should I use?

A 9x13 inch pan works best for most standard recipes.