Small Batch Pumpkin Pie Bars

Step into the cozy embrace of fall with our Small Batch Pumpkin Pie Bars—your favorite autumn flavors captured in convenient, easy-to-make squares. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust cradling a luxuriously thick pumpkin filling, all spiced to perfection. These bars give you all the comfort of a traditional pumpkin pie without the fuss, making it simpler than ever to indulge in this seasonal treat.

this Recipe

If you’re a fan of the luxurious, spiced filling in traditional pumpkin pie, then you’re in for a treat. These Pumpkin Pie Bars focus on delivering that sumptuous, creamy experience in every bite.

The real showstopper here is the generously thick layer of pumpkin filling, seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that conjure up all the cozy feels of fall. You won’t find a thin, skimpy layer; instead, these bars boast a hearty, indulgent filling that truly captures the essence of pumpkin pie.

It’s like diving straight into the best part of the pie, bite after satisfying bite. When planning a “Thanksgiving for Two,” these pumpkin bars would be a perfect complement to your menu, and if you’ve got any Thanksgiving leftovers, you’ve got to make a small batch of Thanksgiving Sliders!

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• Simplicity: This recipe is designed with ease in mind, using easy-to-follow steps and common pantry ingredients, so even cooking beginners can confidently tackle it.
• Texture Perfection: The ratio of crust to filling in these bars is meticulously calibrated to ensure each bite offers the ideal blend of buttery crust and creamy pumpkin, delivering a texture that traditional pies often miss.
• Delicious Contrast: The shortbread crust has a buttery richness that beautifully complements the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s utterly satisfying.
• Portability: Unlike traditional pies that require slicing and possibly even a fork and plate, these bars are pre-portioned and easy to pick up, making them incredibly convenient for a quick snack or for enjoying a moment of dessert bliss without a pile of dishes afterward. The bar format means you can grab one for a quick treat without having to commit to a whole slice.
• Ideal Batch Size: Specifically formulated for a 5×5-inch baking dish, this recipe produces a small batch that is just the right size for smaller gatherings or for satisfying your own pumpkin cravings without any waste.

What Makes Pumpkin Pie Bars Different From Traditional Pumpkin Pie?

Pumpkin Pie Bars are basically a simpler, more portable version of traditional pumpkin pie. Instead of a flaky pastry crust, these bars sport a shortbread base, providing a different but equally delicious texture. Also, their compact form makes them easier to serve and enjoy.

Ingredients: Pumpkin Filling And Shortbread Crust

Remember, you can always tweak these ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, but these notes should give you a solid starting point.

For The Shortbread Crust:

This is the same incredibly delicious crust that we use in many of our mini pie and bar recipes like Dutch Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, and Lemon Bars.

• Butter: Provides the richness and moisture that make the crust so decadent. If you’re dairy-free, a good vegan butter can work as a substitute.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps sweeten the crust and also contributes to its crumbly texture. No substitutions are recommended for sugar in this recipe to maintain the ideal texture and sweetness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of your crust, providing structure. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute.
• Cornstarch: Adds a tender, crumbly texture to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the crust.

For The Filling:

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and helps balance the spices.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cloves: These spices give your pumpkin pie bars their classic autumnal flavor. If you’re missing one, a pumpkin spice blend can work in a pinch.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the filling.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the custard-like texture of the filling.
• Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin purée is the star of the show. Be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which comes pre-seasoned.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides the creamy texture to the pumpkin filling. For a dairy-free option canned coconut milk can make a good substitute.

For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Variations

Thinking of tweaking the pumpkin pie bars a little? Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just in the mood for something a little different, these variations are sure to please without straying too far from the deliciousness of the original recipe.

• Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The taste and texture will still be wonderfully rich and crumbly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Instead of evaporated milk, you can opt for a non-dairy alternative like canned coconut milk. And for the crust, a plant-based butter works well as a substitute.
• Spice it Up: If you’re in the mood for a unique flavor experience, consider merging the worlds of chai and classic fall spices. Infuse your pumpkin filling with a medley of cardamom, black pepper, and a dash more cinnamon. You can even throw in a sprinkle of nutmeg for good measure. This aromatic blend takes your bars on an exotic journey, amplifying the traditional autumnal flavors to new heights.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Sprinkle a layer of mini chocolate chips over the crust before adding the pumpkin filling. The melted chocolate will offer a delightful contrast to the spiced pumpkin.

These variations offer something for everyone, without compromising the comforting, homey flavors that make these pumpkin pie bars a standout treat.

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of pumpkin pie bars with shortbread crust. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

For The Crust:

1. Prep Your Dish: Butter a 5×5-inch baking dish lightly. Line the dish with a piece of parchment paper that’s been cut to fit the bottom and sides of the dish smoothly. This step ensures you can easily lift the bars out once they’re done. After lining, remember to also apply a light layer of butter to the parchment paper itself.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: With an electric hand mixer, blend the butter and sugar until it forms a smooth mixture.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the butter mixture, blending until it becomes a unified dough.

4. Form the Crust: Press the dough into the prepared 5×5-inch baking dish. Use either your fingertips or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

5. Bake the Crust: Place in the oven for 15-18 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once done, set aside to cool.

For The Filling:

1. Prepare the Spice Blend: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves.

2. Blend Egg and Pumpkin: Using an electric mixer at medium speed, blend together the egg, pumpkin puree, and your spice blend until smooth.

3. Add Evaporated Milk: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and use an electric mixer to blend it into the mixture.

4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for 55-60 minutes.

Pro Tip: Test for doneness by giving the pie a gentle nudge. The center should jiggle slightly but not wobble. If it’s too wobbly, continue baking. When in doubt, it’s better to overbake than underbake.

5. Cool the Pie: Allow it to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.

6. Remove from Dish: Carefully grasp the ends of the parchment paper to lift the pie out of the dish, then place it onto a sturdy surface like a cutting board. Gently peel back the parchment paper from the edges.

7. Slice and Serve: Cut your pumpkin pie bars into squares and they’re ready to be devoured!

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your small batch pumpkin pie bars with these thoughtfully crafted serving suggestions. Whether you’re enjoying these on a cozy night in or sharing them at a small gathering, these ideas will make your treat even more memorable.

• Whipped Cream: Elevate each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for that extra oomph.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your pumpkin pie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture makes an amazing contrast with the spiced pumpkin filling.
• Coffee or Tea: These bars are a match made in heaven with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. The warm, spiced beverage complements the creamy, rich pumpkin filling beautifully.
• Nut Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top. The pecan topping adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy filling and buttery crust.
• Dessert Platter: Create a mini dessert buffet by placing your Pumpkin Pie Bars alongside other treats like apple slices, chocolate truffles, rum balls, or cheese. This lets everyone customize their own perfect dessert plate.

Expert Tips

• Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your pumpkin pie bars turn out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
• The Right Dish Size: Use either a 5×5-inch or a 4×6-inch baking dish for this small batch recipe. The right dish size is crucial because it guarantees the perfect balance between crust and filling, while also eliminating the risk of overbaking or underbaking. Avoid using a dish that’s either larger or smaller than recommended.
• Proper Parchment Paper Setup: When lining the baking dish with parchment paper, make sure it extends over the sides. This “sling” will help you lift the bars out effortlessly once they’re done baking.
• Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
• Cooling Counts: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cutting them too soon can result in a mushy texture. Patience pays off in the texture department.