If it’s Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is a must. It can’t really be Thanksgiving without a slice of that deep orange treat served up with a dollop of whipped cream. But while having the pumpkin pie is an essential, a necessity, how you serve it is entirely up to you. You could make it in the form of Pumpkin Pie Bars, in fact: this fun take on the classic autumnal sweet has a buttery, crumbly, warming spice crust and a creamy filling that will make you wonder why you ever served up a traditional pie. Pumpkin Pie Bars are just the best for the holiday, bar none.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin pie mix, not puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 –Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
Step 3 –In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the brown sugar, the baking soda, the baking powder, the cinnamon, the cloves, and the salt.
Step 4 –Add the melted butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 5 –Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough mixture for the topping.
Step 6 –Press the remaining dough mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7 –Combine the pumpkin pie mix, the egg, and the vanilla together in the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer until well-combined.
Step 8 –Pour the filling over the crust in the baking dish.
Step 9 –Sprinkle the top of the filling with the reserved dough mixture.
Step 10 –Bake until the topping is golden brown, about 28-32 minutes.
Step 11 –Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 12 –Cut into squares and serve.