Name: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups rolled oats; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 cup salted butter (very soft); 1¼ cups pumpkin purée; 12 ounces evaporated milk; ½ cup light brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

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If you’re searching for a dessert that combines seasonal warmth with truly satisfying textures, this Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a tender, crumbly oat and flour crust layered with creamy pumpkin filling, crowned by a buttery, crunchy pecan topping — every bite delivers cozy autumn flavors in bar form. It’s a wonderful twist on traditional pumpkin pie that’s perfect for sharing or treating yourself, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular metal baking pan filled with a single smooth layer of bright orange pumpkin dessert topped evenly with scattered chunks of brown candied pecans. The dessert layer has a creamy texture with a slightly shiny surface, and the pecans add a rough, crunchy texture on top. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is neat and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element has a special role: the oats and flour create a hearty base, the pumpkin purée offers moist richness, and pecans provide that irresistible crunch and nutty depth. Ready to dive in? Here’s what you’ll gather:

1½ cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the crust with a tender crumb.
1½ cups rolled oats: Adds texture and wholesome chewiness to the crust.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a light lift to the crust for a soft bite.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance acidity and improve texture.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings gentle sweetness and caramel notes to the crust.
1 cup salted butter (very soft): Creates richness and aids in a crumbly crust consistency.
1¼ cups pumpkin purée: The star of the filling, providing smooth creaminess and vibrant color.
12 ounces evaporated milk: Adds a silky texture and enhances the custard-like filling.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the pumpkin layer with a hint of molasses depth.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and lightens the filling’s texture.
1 large egg: Binds the filling together for a perfect slice.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses classic, warm spice notes.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with sweet floral undertones.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Adds that signature autumn spice blend.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
1 cup chopped pecans: Provides crunch and nutty richness atop the bars.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the pecan topping for caramelized perfection.
2 tablespoons salted butter (melted): Binds the pecan topping and intensifies flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bars a breeze later on. These early preparations set you up for smooth baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and ½ cup light brown sugar. Toss in the softened salted butter and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until you get a soft, crumbly dough that almost clings together. This blend ensures a crust that’s both hearty and tender.

Step 3: Press and Pre-bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t hesitate to really spread it out for an even layer. Prick the surface lightly with a fork — this step keeps the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until it turns a soft golden hue, signaling the perfect base is set.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Filling

While your crust bakes, get the filling ready. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, ½ cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and homogenous; this creamy filling packs all the cozy flavors that make pumpkin desserts a hit.

Step 5: Bake Pumpkin Layer

Pour the luscious pumpkin mixture evenly over the warm crust. Slip the pan back in the oven for 15 minutes, letting the custard layer start to set without fully firming up — the filling should be slightly wobbly when you pull it out.

Step 6: Prepare the Pecan Topping

Mix the chopped pecans, ½ cup light brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl until every nut is well-coated. This topping brings delightful texture and a buttery-sweet finish to your bars.

Step 7: Add Pecan Topping and Final Bake

Carefully sprinkle the pecan mixture over the pumpkin filling, covering it fully. Return the pan to the oven for another 20 minutes or so, until the edges look set and the center still has a slight jiggle. This balance ensures the bars are perfectly moist and nutty on top.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let your Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe cool in the pan for at least an hour. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate them further before cutting. Trust me, that chill makes all the difference for neat, beautiful bars.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

There are six square pumpkin bars with nuts on top placed on a silver wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each bar has a dense orange-brown layer with a slightly rough texture and is sprinkled with chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar pieces in uneven clusters. Two bars have small swirls of white cream on top, one in the center and the other near the edge. Around the rack, whole and halved pecans are scattered on the white marbled surface. An orange cloth is partly visible on the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars are incredible on their own but topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes them to the next level. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or crushed pecans on top just before serving. The garnish adds a fresh note of flavor and makes your bars look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider to complement their autumnal flavors. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream if you want a dessert that balances warm and cold sensations beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, arrange your Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or small pumpkins as decoration. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers for a fun party treat that’s both charming and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their texture and flavor beautifully for up to 4 days, making them a convenient treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, your Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

If you like your bars warm, gently reheat individual portions in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. They are delicious both warm and chilled, so feel free to enjoy them how you like best.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is a great time-saving option and it works perfectly in this Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

How important is it to chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling the bars helps the filling set fully and makes slicing much easier, preventing them from crumbling or smearing. If you want neat, clean squares, plan to chill for at least an hour before cutting.

Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each nut will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but all are tasty options.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own blend by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a small pinch of cloves or allspice. This custom mix can easily replace store-bought pumpkin pie spice and tastes fantastic.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats, which usually contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with certified gluten-free flour and oats, making sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a warm hug during the cooler months. It’s easy enough for busy bakers and impressive enough to share at any occasion. Once you try it, I’m confident these bars will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a go and enjoy every delicious bite!