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October 12, 2020 By Kathryn Donangelo 32 Comments

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe (Made with a Shortbread Crust)

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Last Updated on August 6, 2022 by Kathryn Donangelo

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This Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe is the easiest and most delicious dessert to make this Fall. Made with the same flavors of a pumpkin pie but made with a shortbread crust and in a bar form!

PIN Pumpkin Pie Bars to try later!

Pumpkin Pie Bars (Made with a Shortbread Crust)

If you love Pumpkin Pie, you will fall in love with this easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe! These bars have all the same flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie but are baked in a baking pan instead of a pie pan to make bars, similar to a slab pie.

Made with real pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. I love topping the bars with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This Shortbread Crust is so incredibly easy to make with only 5 simple ingredients. You don’t have to stress about making a pumpkin pie crust for this recipe. The shortbread crust comes together in a food processor in minutes.

If you love pumpkin pie just as much as we do, try my Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream that has pie crust pieces swirled through the ice cream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These easy Pumpkin Pie Bars are made with a buttery crust and homemade pumpkin pie filling.
  • They make the perfect Fall dessert.
  • This dessert is a crowd pleaser for any party, potluck, gathering, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Make them and watch them go.
  • Easy to prepare and can be made into different size bars! You can cut them into large or small square bars or triangles depending on how many bars you want to yield. You can also make different shapes (use a pumpkin cookie cuter to cut out the bars).

pumpkin pie bar steps

Ingredients

To make the shortbread crust

  • Cold butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ice water

To make the creamy pumpkin filling

  • Pumpkin puree
  • Whole large eggs
  • Evaporated milk
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract
  • Granulated sugar

Pumpkin Pie is one of my favorite pies and I could eat it year round! I’ve stocked up on plenty of canned pumpkin already so I’m excited to enjoy these bars for a while! Fall is my favorite time to bake because I love all things pumpkin (like these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins) and apples such as my Apple Cinnamon Crisp.

I also made these super Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars a few years ago that are also delicious and nutritional! They are made with no refined sugars and has a date-based crust.

Pumpkin Pie Bars (Made with a Shortbread Crust)

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

To make shortbread crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a food processor, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt together and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles a coarse sand. Add the water and scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula and pulse a few more times until it looks like a dough is forming.
  2. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper letting some paper hang over the edge so it’s easy to pull the bars out once baked. Pour the dough into the bottom of the pan and press an even layer with your fingers.
  3. Bake the shortbread crust for 15 minutes and remove from oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F.

To make pumpkin pie filling:

  1. Combine all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until well combined and smooth. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool completely for at least an hour on a wire rack. Place in the refrigerator to cool for another hour if you prefer your pie to be chilled. When ready to cut, pull the bars out of the baking dish by holding the parchment paper and cut into squares. Top with whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Bars (Made with a Shortbread Crust)

These Pumpkin Pie Bars Are

  • Easy to make and tastes like pumpkin pie.
  • Made with a buttery and slightly sweetened shortbread crust.
  • Creamy, full of warm spices, and has a custard-like pumpkin pie filling.
  • Perfect for Fall days and makes the best mid-day snack or dessert.

Leftovers

Since these bars contain pumpkin, eggs and milk you will have to store them in the refrigerator. I think this dessert is even better the next day!

Place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Since the pumpkin maintains a lot of moisture, you may find some of the bars to be wet on the top- which is totally normal! Simply dab a paper towel on top to absorb any moisture.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Instead of using a shortbread crust , you can use a traditional graham cracker crust or pie crust.
  • Add a crunch to these bars by adding toasted pecan pieces to the pumpkin layer or sprinkle on top with whipped cream.
  • If you wanted to make these bars healthier, swap the sugar for coconut sugar and all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
  • Let the bars cool completely and then refrigerate until cold before serving for the best result.
  • Make these bars into mini bars by cutting them into smaller squares.

Pumpkin Pie Bars (Made with a Shortbread Crust)

Other Easy Pumpkin Desserts

  • Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
  • Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
  • Pumpkin Bars
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
  • Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
  • Pumpkin Spice Granola

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Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

These Pumpkin Pie Bars have the same flavors of a classic Pumpkin Pie except it's much easier to make and made with an easy shortbread crust!
4.52 from 25 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 333kcal
Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • 13 x 9 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

To make a shortbread crust

  • 3/4 cup butter; unsalted cut and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoon ice water

To make the pumpkin pie filling

  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 12 ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/12 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

To make the shortbread crust

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a food processor, combine butter, sugar, salt and flour together and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles a corase sand. Add the water and scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula and pulse a few more times until it looks like a dough is forming.
  • Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper letting some paper hang over the edge so it's easy to pull the bars out once baked. Pour the dough into the dish by pressing an even layer with your fingers.
  • Bake the shortbread crust for 15 minutes and remove from oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F.

To make the pumpkin filling

  • Combine all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until well combined and smooth. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool completely for at least an hour. Place in the refrigerator to cool for another hour if you prefer your pie to be chilled. When ready to cut, pull the bars out of the baking dish by holding the parchment paper and cut into squares. Top with whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!
Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

  1. This recipe makes 12 large bars or you can cut them into smaller squares OR triangles to make even more!
  2. If you don't have a food processor to make the shortbread crust, simply use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the butter. 
  3. Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bars will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.
  4. Make these the day before you want to serve them so they can be chilled in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, cut into bars and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 47.8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14.7g | Saturated Fat: 8.9g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 95mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 33.3g | Iron: 1mg

This recipe was originally published on Oct. 12, 2020. It was republished on Aug. 6, 2022, to include additional information.

Like this recipe? Then you'll love these:

  • Easy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Cinnamon Crust
    Easy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Cinnamon Crust
  • Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
    Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
  • Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Filed Under: Desserts, Halloween, Holidays, Thanksgiving Tagged With: dessert, healthy

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. luci@lucismorsels.com'Luci says

    October 12, 2020 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    Yum! I love anything pumpkin! I am definitely excited to make these bars for Thanksgiving! I know they’ll be a hit, but I might need to make them sooner because I don’t think I can wait till Thanksgiving to try them!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 22, 2020 at 8:33 am

      I hope you love them, Luci!

      Reply
  2. rikafordavid@gmail.com'rika says

    October 12, 2020 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    That looks incredbly moist and yummy! It’s the perfect fall dessert!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  3. emmeline@alwaysusebutter.com'Emmeline says

    October 12, 2020 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    Such a perfect fall treat! I have some pumpkin puree in my cupboard so this will make a great treat for my coworkers tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Oh yay! I hope you loved these bars!

      Reply
  4. kerri@comfortfoodideas.com'kerri says

    October 12, 2020 at 10:56 am

    these are perfection! i love making pumpkin pie into bars!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Thank you! Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. tarasmulticulturaltable@hotmail.com'Tara says

    October 12, 2020 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    Oooh such a great dessert for the upcoming holidays. I love that you made the bars with a shortbread crust! So beautiful!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  6. certifiedpastryaficionado@gmail.com'Sharon says

    October 13, 2020 at 3:56 am

    5 stars
    These pumpkin pie bars are perfect for the holiday because they are perfect for large gatherings.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      Yes totally! I hope you get a chance to make these pumpkin pie bars!

      Reply
  7. burrataandbubbles@gmail.com'Amanda says

    October 14, 2020 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    Oh, my — these pumpkin pie bars are fabulous! The filling was perfectly creamy with just the right touch of spice, and the shortbread crust was such a great complement. I’ll definitely make these again for the fall.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      I’m glad you loved these bars Amanda! So happy to hear you loved the creamy filling and crust! Thanks for trying my recipe!

      Reply
  8. dkhealthcoach@gmail.com'Debra says

    October 14, 2020 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    You’re right…they tasted just like pumpkin pie. Delish. I loved the “crust” layer…and I think these are so much fun. Why wait for a holiday and a whole pie…these are definitely getting us in the holiday mood.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      I’m so glad you loved these Debra! I 100% agree- pumpkin pie can be enjoyed any time of the year 🙂

      Reply
  9. bernice@dishnthekitchen.com'Bernice Hill says

    October 14, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    What a delicious and seasonal recipe. I always have a little pumpkin puree hanging around after thanksgiving…perfect for making these bars!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Pumpkin puree is always a good thing to have handy, I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  10. aleta@mamabearscookbook.com'Aleta says

    October 15, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    5 stars
    Pumpkin pie AND shortbread? This dessert is my dream come true! I just so happen to have a few extra pumpkins in my garden this year… I know what I’ll be making with them!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      It really is the best combo!! Enjoy!

      Reply
  11. denise@mylifecookbook.com'Denise says

    October 17, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    Your Pumpkin Pie Bars look absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try that shortbread crust!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 22, 2020 at 8:34 am

      The crust is my favorite part! Enjoy!

      Reply
  12. Kushigalu@gmail.com'Kushigalu says

    October 17, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    5 stars
    Love the twist in the bars. So flavorful. Perfect fall treat. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 22, 2020 at 8:32 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  13. montenegropaula20@gmail.com'Paula Montenegro says

    October 18, 2020 at 11:23 am

    5 stars
    I was looking for an easy pumpkin pie and I think these bars are a much better alternative! They look incredibly creamy and scrumptious. Can’t wait to try them. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      They are incredibly creamy and delicious. I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  14. BakingGypsy@AOL.com'Tammy says

    October 18, 2020 at 11:29 am

    5 stars
    This looks absolutely wonderful and delicious! What a beautiful dessert and a great twist on the traditional pie.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Thank you Tammy!

      Reply
  15. veronika@thehealthfulideas.com'Veronika Sykorova says

    October 19, 2020 at 8:40 am

    Looks so good! I’m excited to try these bars! I’ve never made pumpkin pie before and these seem like an easier option so Im excited 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      I hope you love the recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  16. dmeyster85@gmail.com'Donna says

    November 21, 2020 at 11:39 am

    More of a question…
    I LOVE your recipes.
    Do you ever give CALORIE COUNT/nutritional information for your recipes?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 21, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Donna, I do! I just updated this recipe and included the calorie count/nutritional information in the recipe box for you for these Pumpkin Pie Bars 🙂 enjoy!

      Reply

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