When I think of fall, my mind wanders to the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and something delightful baking in the oven. Enter the glorious Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars—an irresistible treat that brings the cozy vibes of autumn right to your kitchen. cozy soup to serve alongside Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery crust topped with luscious pumpkin filling and crunchy pecans. The aroma wafts through your home, igniting memories of family gatherings and laughter.
These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just need a sweet pick-me-up on a Tuesday afternoon. perfect main dish pairing They promise a burst of flavor that will have you reminiscing about your childhood while enjoying every heavenly bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time
- Their flavor profile combines creamy pumpkin and crunchy pecans for a delightful experience
- Visually, they look like a work of art with golden hues and a sprinkle of pecans on top
- They are versatile enough to serve as dessert or an afternoon snack with coffee
I once made these bars for a potluck, and friends couldn’t stop raving about them—one even asked if I could bake him some every week!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious comfort food pairing.
All-purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the crust; it makes all the difference in texture.
Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and deep caramel notes to the filling.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch; chop them roughly for that perfect texture.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Essential spices that bring warmth and depth to your bars.
Eggs: These help bind everything together; use large eggs for consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
Create Your Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. The aroma should start tantalizing your senses by now.
Mix Your Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together canned pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Add Pecans to Filling: Gently fold in chopped pecans into your pumpkin mixture. This step ensures every bite is filled with delightful crunchiness.
Pour Filling Over Crust: Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and pour your luscious filling evenly over it. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure uniform coverage.
Bake Again!: Return to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set in the center. You’ll know it’s done when you give it a gentle shake—it shouldn’t jiggle too much!
Let these beauties cool completely before cutting them into bars—trust me; they taste even better when chilled!
These Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars are not just a treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen! Whether enjoyed alone with coffee or shared among friends at gatherings, they embody everything wonderful about fall flavors wrapped in one delightful package. For more inspiration, check out this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe.
You Must Know
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pie
- With a crumbly crust and rich filling, they’re perfect for fall gatherings
- The aroma of pumpkin and spices fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to take a bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the crust first to allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling. This ensures a perfectly baked base that holds everything together without sogginess.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the flavors, giving you the freedom to create your signature version of these bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or enjoy them chilled as a refreshing dessert. low-carb dessert options.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant flavor; canned works but isn’t as rich
- Always let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Don’t forget to toast the pecans first for added crunch and depth!
Sometimes, when I serve these bars at family gatherings, I get requests for the recipe before they’ve even taken their first bite! It’s heartwarming to see everyone eagerly anticipating that first taste.
FAQ
Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?
Absolutely! Use pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg for convenience.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.
Can I freeze Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months; just thaw before serving!
Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, blending the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with crunchy pecans atop a buttery crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy afternoons, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With every bite, you’ll be transported back to cherished autumn memories, making them a must-try treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, melted butter, and brown sugar until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While it bakes, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in toasted pecans into the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set in the center; a gentle shake should reveal minimal jiggle.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap pecans with walnuts or mix in chocolate chips. Use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer taste.