Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is crisp, families gather, and the smell of delicious food fills the home. There’s something so special about Thanksgiving desserts, and these *thanksgiving bars dessert* are a standout! They bring together the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices that just scream fall. I remember the first time I made these bars for my family; the joy on their faces when they took that first bite was priceless! The pumpkin filling is creamy and rich, while the graham cracker crust adds that perfect crunch. Trust me, these bars will be the highlight of your dessert table this holiday season, and they’re super easy to whip up, too! So, let’s dive into the details and get started on this delightful treat!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making these delicious *thanksgiving bars dessert*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: Make sure to crush them finely for a solid crust.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This will help bind the crust together beautifully.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Use canned or fresh, but be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness to the pumpkin filling.
- 2 large eggs: These will help set the filling as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice brings that warm, cozy taste of fall.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth to the flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger: For a little zing that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: This balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Now that you have everything ready, you’re all set to create something truly special!
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your *thanksgiving bars dessert* bakes evenly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than an undercooked center! While it’s heating up, you can get everything else ready, so it’s a win-win!
Prepare the Crust
Now, let’s get that crust going! In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. I like to use a fork to mix it all together until it’s well combined and resembles wet sand. You want a firm base, so make sure the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. I usually use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This will give you a nice, sturdy crust for your delicious filling!
Make the Pumpkin Filling
Alright, it’s time to create that dreamy pumpkin filling! In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix it well until all those warm spices are evenly distributed. The aroma is just heavenly! This filling is what makes the bars so creamy and flavorful, so take your time to get it just right!
Assemble and Bake
Now for the fun part—pouring that luscious pumpkin mixture over your crust! Just gently spread it out with a spatula to make sure it’s even. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle—it’s okay, it will firm up as it cools! Let it cool completely before cutting into bars, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delightful treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving bars dessert* turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for an even bake! Also, be careful not to overmix the pumpkin filling—just mix until everything is combined for the best texture. If you want a richer flavor, let the bars cool completely before serving; they taste even better the next day! And if you love a little crunch, toss some chopped nuts into the filling or sprinkle them on top before baking. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional details of these scrumptious *thanksgiving bars dessert*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 24 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 12 grams of sugar and 150 mg of sodium per serving. So, while they’re definitely a treat, they’re not too heavy! Enjoy these bars in moderation and savor every bite of that delicious pumpkin goodness!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful *thanksgiving bars dessert*, the options are endless! I love to top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream—it’s like the icing on the cake! You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little caramel sauce or chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of indulgence. And don’t forget to pair them with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee to really elevate the experience. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these bars!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious *thanksgiving bars dessert* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the bars! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful *thanksgiving bars dessert*? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common inquiries I often hear:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. It will add a lovely fresh flavor!
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be set, and the center will have a slight jiggle. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit soft!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for prepping a day in advance! Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can use a homemade version by mixing milk with sugar and simmering it down, but be aware that it might change the texture slightly.
Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Of course! Chocolate and pumpkin make a delicious combination, so feel free to toss in a handful for an extra treat!
Thanksgiving Bars Dessert: 7 Layers of Holiday Bliss
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving bars dessert with a blend of pumpkin and spices.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the mixture.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can top with whipped cream before serving.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving bars dessert
