Pumpkin Pie Bars
The classic, irresistible flavor and taste of pumpkin pie, but in a more convenient, easy to share form…umm, yes I’m sold! These easy Pumpkin Pie Bars are rich, creamy, full of warm spices, and made with a buttery shortbread crust. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall season at family gatherings, holiday parties, or any time during the week. The best part is you can cut these bars as big or as little as you want, to make your dollar stretch, and to make them the perfect size for sharing, because trust me…they’re worth the hype!
“I made these for Thanksgiving and it was a hit! The crust is perfect for the pumpkin filling! Making these again for Christmas!”
JAY
Pumpkin Pie Bars
I’ll be honest, making a homemade pie crust for a traditional pumpkin pie can be a little intimidating. These pumpkin pie bars are made with a super easy, buttery, 4-ingredient shortbread crust. After testing this recipe, I fell in love with the light & airy texture of the crust combined with the smooth, custardy pie filling. One word…Heaven!
And with a traditional pie you typically get about 6-8 slices; not to mention the added pressure to cut the slices evenly 😳. But these pumpkin pie bars are unbelievably easy to cut into 9 squares or more and they’re very easy to serve. Basically, if you’re looking for a simple and stress-free dessert to make this season, it’s definitely going to be this one!
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Cost $6.11 recipe / $0.68 serving
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ($0.18)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar ($0.12)
- 1/4 tsp salt ($0.01)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened ($0.99)
Pumpkin Pie Filling
- 1 15oz. can pumpkin purée* ($1.63)
- 1 12oz. can evaporated milk ($1.42)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar ($0.25)
- 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice** ($0.15)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ($1.34)
Video
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl add the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter for the shortbread crust. Mix the ingredients together with a fork or spatula until they are well combined. The mixture should look slightly crumbly.
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Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the dish in an even layer.
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Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes or just until the crust is lightly golden.
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While the crust is baking, begin to make the filling. In another large bowl add the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and beaten eggs.
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Blend with a hand mixer or whisk the pie filling ingredients together until smooth.
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When the crust is finished baking, pour the pumpkin pie filling into the baking dish on top of the crust, then transfer it back to the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center jiggles just slightly when you shake the baking dish. When the bars are done baking, the top of the filling will be slightly puffed up. But don’t worry, it will settle back down as it cools.
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Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the pie bars to cool for about 30 minutes, then transfer the dish to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 2 hours.
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Once the pumpkin pie bars are completely chilled, remove them from the baking dish and slice into 9 bars. Top with some fresh whipped cream (optional) and enjoy!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Notes
**Use store-bought or make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice!
Nutrition Information
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars Step-by-Step Photos
Make the shortbread crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened butter for the shortbread crust. Mix the ingredients together with a fork or spatula until they are well combined. The mixture should look slightly crumbly.
Bake crust: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes or just until the crust is lightly golden.
Make pie filling: While the crust is baking, begin to make the pie filling. In another large bowl add 1-15oz. can of pumpkin purée, 1-12oz. can of evaporated milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 large beaten eggs. Blend with a hand mixer or whisk the pie filling ingredients together until smooth.
Add pie filling to crust and bake: When the crust is finished baking, pour the pumpkin pie filling into the baking dish on top of the crust, then transfer it back to the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center jiggles just slightly when you shake the baking dish.
Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven. The top of the pie filling will look slightly puffed when it comes out of the oven, but it will settle as it cools. Allow the pie bars to cool for about 30 minutes, then transfer the dish to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 2 hours.
Once the pumpkin pie bars are completely chilled, remove them from the baking dish and slice them into 9 bars.
Top with some fresh whipped cream (optional) and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, you can store them covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they are completely cool before refrigerating.
serving suggestions
Turn your Pumpkin Pie Bars into the perfect fall dessert by pairing them with a cozy dinner. Try Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs for a sweet-savory main, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes for comfort, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts to round it all out with a crispy veggie side. It’s a warm, seasonal meal from start to finish!
Other Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
- Our Pumpkin Bread is my pick when I want an easy bake that stretches further. One batch makes two tender, warmly spiced loaves for breakfast, snacking, or freezing.
- For individual portions, try these Pumpkin Muffins with a soft pumpkin-spice crumb and a surprise cream cheese center!
- Chocolate and pumpkin come together in Pumpkin Brownies, with fudgy chocolate brownies, pumpkin spice, pecans, and a creamy pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
- Want something that looks a little fancy? Our Pumpkin Roll wraps a soft pumpkin spice cake around sweet cream cheese frosting for a beautiful make-ahead fall dessert.
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes
