Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that combines the best of classic pies into one delicious, easy-to-eat treat, you’ve got to try my Thanksgiving pie bar! Seriously, it’s like a festive miracle in a square! I love how this recipe captures the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, pecan, and spice, all in one bite. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights at home. Trust me, once you take a bite of these pie bars topped with a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the holiday! Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful Thanksgiving pie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients. Trust me, having everything ready will make this process a breeze!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for our crust, so make sure it’s all-purpose for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: You’ll want it at room temperature to mix easily into the crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade—either works well for that classic pumpkin flavor!
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: This gives a lovely depth of flavor and richness to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind everything together and give the filling that perfect custardy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy spice flavor that screams fall!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a hint of warmth and earthiness to the mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Just a touch of ginger gives it a little zing!
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor—totally optional but highly recommended!
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping: Because what’s a pie bar without a cloud of creamy goodness on top?
Gather these ingredients, and we’ll get ready to create some Thanksgiving magic!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pie Bar
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these amazing Thanksgiving pie bars! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and toasty for our pie bars!
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. You want it to look crumbly and feel like wet sand. Don’t rush this part—it’s essential for a great base!
- Press the crust: Next, take that crumbly mixture and press it evenly into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×9 inch dish, but any similar size works! Just make sure it’s packed down nicely.
- Bake the crust: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color—this is going to be the perfect base for our filling!
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, grab another bowl and mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until it’s all smooth and combined. The smell is going to make you swoon!
- Pour the filling: Once the crust is done, carefully pour that delicious pumpkin mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Add the pecans: If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them on top of the filling now. This adds such a lovely crunch!
- Bake again: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 30 minutes. You’ll want to check it around the 25-minute mark to make sure it’s not overcooking.
- Cool and serve: Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely before cutting into bars. Trust me, this is hard, but waiting makes them even better! Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra festive touch.
And voilà! You’ve just made a fabulous Thanksgiving pie bar that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about these Thanksgiving pie bars? Here are just a few reasons why they’ll become a holiday staple in your home:
- Simple and straightforward preparation—perfect for cooks of any skill level!
- Delicious blend of classic pie flavors in every bite; it’s like having a slice of pumpkin and pecan pie at once!
- Great for gatherings—easy to cut into bars for sharing and serving.
- Festive and comforting, these bars bring all the cozy fall vibes to your table.
- Can be made a day ahead, so you can enjoy more time with family and friends!
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be singing their praises long after the last crumb is gone!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving pie bars turn out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the cooling step after baking; letting them cool completely helps them set up nicely, making cutting into bars a breeze. Also, if you want a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water—trust me, it works wonders! If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your taste—more spice means more flavor! Lastly, consider adding a pinch of salt to the whipped cream for that extra wow factor. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of these scrumptious Thanksgiving pie bars? Here’s a quick overview of the typical values per serving, which is one bar. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
These delightful bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also fit nicely into your holiday indulgence without going overboard. Enjoy the flavors without the guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored these delightful Thanksgiving pie bars, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the bars in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days—perfect for snacking later on! If you need to reheat them, I recommend popping them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until they’re warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold, topped with a little extra whipped cream for that creamy goodness. Either way, they’re a treat!
FAQ Section
Common Questions about Thanksgiving Pie Bar
Can I make these pie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance is a great idea. They actually taste even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge!
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can easily leave them out or substitute with walnuts or even some chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Can I freeze the Thanksgiving pie bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about two months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving!
How do I know when the pie bars are done baking?
Great question! The pie bars should be set in the middle and slightly puffed up when they’re done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Of course! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. It’ll give your bars a lovely homemade touch, plus that wonderful pumpkin flavor!
Thanksgiving Pie Bar: 7 Irresistible Bites of Joy
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious Thanksgiving pie bar that combines the flavors of classic pies into one easy-to-eat dessert.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
- Serve with whipped cream on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 32g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving pie bar
