Pumpkin Pie Bars – Stunningly Easy & Delicious Fall Treat

Some recipes feel like a warm hug in dessert form—these Pumpkin Pie Bars are exactly that. I first made them on a chilly October afternoon when pie crust felt like too much effort but the craving for something pumpkiny couldn’t wait. One bowl, one pan, and all the cozy fall spice—this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Bars

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You’re going to love these bars for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make—no rolling out crust, no fancy tools, just a mixing bowl and a whisk. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet the flavor is rich, spiced, and comforting. These bars capture everything you love about pumpkin pie but are perfectly portable for potlucks, holiday spreads, or an afternoon snack with coffee. Whether you’re not a pie baker or just want something a little more casual, these bars deliver all the fall vibes without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust & Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

This mixture pulls double duty as both your crust and crumbly topping. It’s buttery, subtly sweet, and spiced just right.

For the Filling

• 1½ cups canned pumpkin pie mix (not puree!)
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Simple, silky, and delicious. The pumpkin pie mix already includes sugar and spices, so all you need is an egg and a splash of vanilla to bring it together.

Tip: If you only have pumpkin puree, combine it with ½ cup sugar and 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to mimic pie mix.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you get a crumbly dough. It should look like coarse, spiced sand.

Press about ¾ of the mixture into your pan to form the crust. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.

Step 2 – Mix and Pour the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin pie mix, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this creamy filling over the crust and gently spread it into an even layer.

Step 3 – Add Topping and Bake

Take the reserved dough and crumble it evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about perfect coverage—those golden, rustic pockets bake up beautifully.

Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center looks set.

Step 4 – Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Once cooled, lift the parchment to remove the bars and cut into 9 squares.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These bars keep beautifully!

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Serve chilled or let them sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

They’re a great option for making ahead during the busy holiday season.

Pumpkin Pie Mix vs Pumpkin Puree

Here’s the quick scoop:

• Pumpkin pie mix already contains sugar, spices, and sometimes milk—it’s a shortcut in a can.
• Pumpkin puree is just pure pumpkin, nothing added.

You can’t substitute one for the other without tweaking. If all you have is puree, just add ½ cup sugar and 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the filling mix. It’s an easy adjustment that brings the same cozy flavor.

More Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Recipes

If you love these bars, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting pumpkin favorites:

– Warm, creamy, and dreamy: Decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for fall gatherings
– Perfectly soft and spiced: Soft and chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies that pair perfectly with coffee
– Quick and cozy: Moist and fluffy Easy Pumpkin Muffins as a quick seasonal treat

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