If you want a Pumpkin Pie without the hassle, make your pumpkin pie into bars instead! Each buttery bite of the tasty shortbread crust is perfect with the creamy pumpkin. They are just as delicious as pie but without the extra work.
Every year when Thanksgiving approaches, I promise myself that I’ll attempt a pie. This year, I say, will be the year that I make a pie from scratch. Everyone will swoon. But that never happens. Sometimes I make cheater pies like this Easy Apple Pie, but I have never made a pie completely from scratch. Sad, I know.
But why make pie when you can make bars that are 1. super easy to make, and 2. taste just like pie?! If you are looking for an easy version of pumpkin pie as we approach the holidays, consider trying this recipe. It is DELICIOUS and no one will judge you for not making pie. This is a great recipe that will be requested year after year.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN PIE BARS
These bars are as tasty as pumpkin pie (if not tastier) and far easier to make. Enjoy the short bread bottom and creamy pumpkin perfect for feeding a crowd!
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
STEP 2
In a medium bowl, combine the butter, sugar and egg. Mix until it’s nice and creamy. Add the flour and salt and stir until combined. Using your fingers (flour them, if needed), press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
STEP 3
In a separate large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Mix them well. Add the evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are combined. Pour the pumpkin pie mix over the crust and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until center is no longer jiggly.
STEP
Take the baking dish out of the oven and place on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely to room temperature. Cut into bars. Serve with a dollop of Whipped Cream on each one (if desired).
CAN I USE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM FOR THIS RECIPE?
Absolutely yes! If desired, replace Homemade Whipped Cream with the whipped topping called for in the recipe card.
MAKE YOUR OWN WHIPPED CREAM! WATCH THIS EASY TUTORIAL TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE!
Enjoy the step-by-step video tutorial we have created for this recipe! Our goal is to make your time in the kitchen as easy as possible and to ensure that your version of this recipe is a success. See our full collection of cooking and baking videos on YouTube!
SUBSTITUTE FOR PUMPKIN PUREE
Equal parts of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash is a great substitution and you might not even be able to tell the difference!
IS CANNED PUMPKIN AND PUMPKIN PUREE THE SAME THING
Canned pumpkin is straight-up pumpkin that has been put into a can. Some pumpkin puree contains other ingredients that flavors it, making it pumpkin-pie ready. Read your labels to see what you’re getting in your next can of pumpkin!
HOW TO FREEZE PUMPKIN PIE BARS
Once the bars are completely cooled, you can wrap the bars in saran wrap tightly so there’s no air trapped inside. Then use a layer of aluminum foil to wrap the bars again and place it in the freezer up to 3 months. When you take them out to enjoy again, let them defrost fully in the fridge about 24 hours.
OTHER DELICIOUS DESSERTS FOR THANKSGIVING
Peek at these great options, too!
THANKSGIVING MEAL IDEAS
Creamy Crockpot Corn -Four ingredients, five minutes of effort and your slow cooker will make this delicious, creamy little side dish for you! Creamy Crockpot Corn is a great holiday side!
Pecan Pie Bars – Introducing you to Pecan Pie with a fraction of the effort! Pecan Pie Bars are a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings or any other time of the year!
Mom’s Mashed Potatoes – This is my mom’s delicious Mashed Potato recipe. It is the BEST and goes great with any main dish, any time of year. You’ll never need another mashed potato recipe again!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce – This is THE BEST homemade cranberry sauce! It is super easy to make and way surpasses the canned version in flavor. Be sure to use whole berries to your sauce to make this a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving or holiday table!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, delicious and easy to prepare. No boiling or saucepan/stovetop cleaning required with this side dish. The Instant Pot gets this easy mashed potato recipe done in 30 minutes!
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole – This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is great on your Thanksgiving table and also a perfect side dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is filled with a delicious sweet potato mixture and topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows.
Crockpot Stuffing with Leeks and Sausage – This delicious stuffing is made easier in the crockpot/slow cooker! The addition of leeks and sausage makes it unique and delicious. Don’t limit this to Thanksgiving fare. It is a great side dish to any meal, any time of the year.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 sticks butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 15 oz pumpkin
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice substitute: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, sugar and egg. Mix until creamy. Add flour and salt and stir until combined. Using your fingers (flour them, if needed), press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Mix well. Add the evaporated milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix until combined. Pour over the crust and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until center is no longer jiggly.
- Let cool, cut into squares and serve with whipped topping (if desired).
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