Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of pumpkin pie in a much easier and even tastier way. This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe has a delicious, crunchy oatmeal, shortbread crust that has so much more flavor and texture than your average pie crust. Top these easy pumpkin pie bars with sugary, crunchy pecans and you are in pumpkin pie bliss!! 

Looking for other pumpkin recipes? Check out these other Fall recipes: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Bundt Cake or my favorite Coconut Pumpkin Bread. 

Pumpkin desserts are perfect for a simple treat to serve at any of your Holiday dinners. These are perfect for feeding a bunch of people and are so easy to make in advance, making them super stress-free.

Pumpkin pie can be quite a chore to make, but this pumpkin bar recipe is so simple and every bite is so much better than the actual pie, true story!

Top this slice of pumpkin pie with a simple homemade whipped cream and a little cinnamon and your mouth will be singing praises!

The candied pecans are just delicious and add so much flavor with every bite. However, if you have a nut allergy or just don’t like nuts, you can absolutely just make the recipe without the addition of the pecans. 

How to make Pumpkin Pie Bars

To make this easy pumpkin recipe start by making the simple oatmeal crust:

For the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9 x 13 inch pan
2. In a mixing bowl combine the melted butter, oatmeal, flour, and sugar. Use a fork to mix until a crumbly mixture is formed. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan until evenly spread. 
3. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown
4. Remove from the oven

For the Pumpkin Pie Layer:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, beaten eggs, sugar, and salt
2. Mix until smooth
3. Pour over the baked crust and place back in the oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove to add pecan topping

For the Sugared Pecans Topping:

1. Combine the chopped pecans, butter, and brown sugar until well combined and all the nuts are coated.
2. After the pumpkin bars have baked for 20 minutes, remove from the oven and top with the pecan mixture. 
3. Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
4. Allow the pumpkin bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Pie Bars

Can I make Pumpkin Bars Ahead?

These pumpkin pie bars can be made at least 2 days ahead. After the bars have cooled, store loosely covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also freeze them covered with a layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, at least 2 months in advance of when you will be serving them, and allow at least 2 days to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. 

Do Pumpkin Pie Bars Need to be Refrigerated?

If you do not plan on serving your pumpkin pie bars within at least two hours of baking, they do need to be kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Just loosely cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

What kind of Pumpkin should I use in Pumpkin Bars?

You can use a canned pumpkin puree or even a homemade pumpkin puree in this recipe. Do not purchase the can of Pumpkin Pie Mix as that has already been seasoned with spices, you are looking for the can of pumpkin puree. 

Other Pumpkin Recipes to Try:

Pumpkin Pie Bars are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of pumpkin pie in a much easier and even tastier way. This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe has a delicious, crunchy oatmeal, shortbread crust that has so much more flavor and texture than your average pie crust.

 

Other Pumpkin Recipes:

• Pumpkin Pecan Bread
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread