Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Fall has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice and the comforting sweetness of pumpkin pie. But let’s face it, sometimes you crave that delicious pumpkin pie flavor in a more convenient, shareable format. That’s where our incredible Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars come in! This recipe delivers all the warmth and spice of a classic pumpkin pie in a delightful bar form, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your autumn cravings. Forget individual pies; this recipe lets you create a glorious, generous slab that’s easy to cut and serve, making it ideal for sharing (or not!). Prepare to be amazed by the rich, creamy pumpkin filling encased in a buttery, flaky crust – a true testament to fall baking at its finest. Get ready for a treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. You’ll be making these Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars again and again throughout the season.

Why You’ll Love This Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

These Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars are more than just a delicious dessert; they’re a culinary experience. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible to even beginner bakers. No complicated techniques or specialized equipment are required – just a few basic mixing bowls and a 9×13 inch baking pan. Secondly, the taste is simply divine. The perfect balance of sweet and spice makes these bars irresistible. The creamy pumpkin filling, infused with warm cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, is perfectly complemented by the buttery, flaky crust. The texture is a delightful combination of crisp and creamy, making each bite a delightful sensory experience. Furthermore, their presentation is stunning. A golden-brown crust topped with a rich, glossy pumpkin filling makes these bars a showstopper at any gathering. Cut into neat squares, they’re easy to serve and look incredibly inviting. Finally, their versatility is a huge plus. They can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules, and they keep well for several days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat throughout the week. You can even freeze them for later enjoyment – a true testament to their convenience and deliciousness. These are the ultimate make-ahead dessert for the fall season!

Why You Should Try This Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

In a world of complicated recipes and time-consuming baking projects, our Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. It’s the perfect recipe for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary needs; with a few simple substitutions, you can make gluten-free or vegan versions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this autumnal delight. Moreover, the recipe is incredibly cost-effective. The ingredients are readily available and inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for your fall baking repertoire. Beyond the practical aspects, making these bars is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and family. Baking is a therapeutic activity, and sharing the resulting deliciousness strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. Consider baking these with your kids or inviting friends over to help with the preparation – the resulting fun is an added benefit beyond the delicious bars themselves. And let’s not forget the joy of sharing these treats. The ease of serving these bars, along with their mouthwatering appearance, makes them the perfect dessert to bring to a party or share with loved ones. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of simplicity, deliciousness, and shared joy?

Ingredients and Utensils for Perfect Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for baking success. Let’s delve into the specifics to ensure your Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars turn out perfectly.

Ingredients: A Detailed Breakdown

• Crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version): Provides the structure for your delicious crust. Consider using a blend specifically designed for pie crusts for optimal results.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust, balancing the sweetness.
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: The key to a flaky crust. Ensure your butter is very cold for best results.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• ¼ cup ice water: Gradually incorporate to bring the dough together. Ice water helps keep the butter cold, resulting in a flakier crust.
• Filling:
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Choose a good quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling. You can substitute full-fat coconut milk for a vegan option.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to balance the spices.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the filling and contribute to its texture. For vegan baking, use flax eggs or a vegan egg substitute.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic pumpkin spice flavor. Adjust according to your preference.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle bite.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a distinctive autumnal spice note.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the filling.

Essential Utensils for Baking Success

• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for this recipe. Make sure to grease and flour it properly.
• Large mixing bowls (at least two): One for the crust and one for the filling.
• Pastry blender or your fingers: To cut the butter into the flour for the crust.
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the filling ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: To ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the bars once cooled.
• Parchment paper (optional): To make cleanup easier.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Irresistible Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

Let’s embark on the baking journey, step-by-step, ensuring you create the most delicious Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars.

Making the Crust: A Flaky Foundation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
2. Grease and flour your 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the bars once baked.
3. Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. This simple step combines the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The goal is to create a crumbly mixture with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
5. Stir in the sugar. This distributes the sweetness throughout the crust.
6. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix, as this will make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly crumbly.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Keep a close eye on the crust to avoid over-baking.

Creating the Creamy Filling: Pumpkin Spice Perfection

1. While the crust is baking, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Pour the pumpkin filling over the partially baked crust. Spread evenly.

Baking and Cooling: Patience for Perfection

1. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Over-baking will dry out the filling.
2. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is crucial to prevent the bars from crumbling. Allow at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight.

Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting for Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars experience.

Ingredient Alternatives and Adaptations:

• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
• Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
• Spice variations: Experiment with different spice combinations. Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Sweetness adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

• Don’t overmix the crust dough. This will result in a tough crust.
• Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust. This is crucial for flakiness.
• Don’t overbake the bars. This will dry out the filling.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This prevents crumbling.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits of Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

While a treat, let’s explore the nutritional aspects and potential benefits.

(Note: Exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. The following is an approximation based on the recipe provided. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands of your ingredients.)

One bar (assuming 12 bars per slab) might contain approximately:

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 4-5g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Pumpkin: Rich in Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy these delicious Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs about Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

Conclusion: Indulge in the Delight of Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

These Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. The recipe is versatile, allowing for customization to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Don’t miss out on this simple yet satisfying treat! Give this recipe a try and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Share your photos on social media using #SlabPumpkinPieBars. We’d love to see your creations! For more amazing fall recipes, check out our Pumpkin Spice Creamer or our Caramel Apple Sangria. Happy baking!

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Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars

These easy pumpkin pie bars are perfect for fall! A buttery crust is topped with a creamy pumpkin spice filling, making them a delicious and convenient dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cups Cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups Ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 1 15 ounce can Pumpkin puree
• 1 12 ounce can Evaporated milk
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Pastry blender or fork
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt for the crust.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sugar.
4. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. While the crust is baking, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a separate large bowl until smooth.
7. Pour the pumpkin filling over the partially baked crust.
8. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This will prevent the bars from crumbling.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the filling. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for added texture.