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Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

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By Roxana Yawgel
Updated Jun 24, 2024
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Welcome the arrival of fall with our Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars. The essence of autumn, winter festivities, and cozy gatherings is wrapped up in these simple-to-make pumpkin pie bars. The filling is homemade pumpkin pie, but the crust is flaky, rich crescent dough, for a deep-dish twist that gives them a unique spin on regular pumpkin pie.

Why make these bars instead of a pie? We will show you all the reasons you are going to love them! If you are intimidated by making a pie, this recipe uses crescent dough is easier and there is no need for a pretty edge or a pie plate. If you are hosting more than 8 people, a pie just will not cut it—it can only serve 8 full slices. Instead, these bars make 12 to 16 servings…which also might be just the right size after a big meal—when a piece of pie is just too much. And you can eat this pie with your hands! It is perfect for those gatherings where people love to nibble and move around to different groups and conversations.

Whether you make them for Thanksgiving, to bring to a potluck or for a weeknight dinner dessert, this 10-minute prep recipe will fit the bill for any reason, all season long.

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

Here are our best tips and basic steps to know how to make pumpkin bars. For all the detailed instructions, follow the pumpkin pie bars recipe below to have your bars turn out perfectly every time:

Line Pan with Parchment

Using an 11x7 baking pan (note this is a smaller rectangle than the regular 13x9-inch pan), line it with parchment paper, being sure to leave some hanging over the edges. This extra will become the “handles” for removing the bars after baking, for easy cutting and serving.

Press Dough in Pan

Unroll the dough and press it in the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

Mix the Filling

Using a whisk, mix all the filling ingredients to make short work of getting a smooth consistency.

Bake and Cool

Bake until the center is set (the edges will still be a little jiggly). Cool the pan on a cooling rack until the bars are completely cooled.

Lift Out Bars and Cut

Using parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan. Push the paper away from the sides; and cut rows using a long knife.

Pumpkin Pie Bars or Pumpkin Pie?

Trying to decide if you should make a pumpkin pie or these easy pumpkin pie bars? Use this guide to see which one is right for you:


New to Making Pies: If you are new to the pie-making game or working with pie crust dough leaves you feeling like you failed art class , then these simple pumpkin pie bars are the recipe for you!

Need to Feed a Crowd: If there are more than 8 people at your gathering, one pie will not be enough. This recipe for pumpkin pie bars makes 12 or 16 smaller servings—perfect for Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving.

No One Leaves Room for Dessert: If you have a group that stuffs themselves during the meal and then says, “I don’t have room for dessert,” this is the recipe for you. A whole piece of pie may be too much, but who can turn down one of these smaller-sized sweets?

You Need a Hand-Held Treat: If your group eats where they stand, these sturdy bars are much easier to eat than a piece of pie on a plate with a fork.

Want Tradition with a Twist: If your family loves a traditional pumpkin pie, but you want to mix it up, this creative twist will satisfy everyone.

Other Pumpkin Pie Recipes We Love

If you love the flavor of pumpkin pie, we have got a pumpkin patch full of great recipes to try! Pick the one that suits the occasion, the number of people you are serving, or the time you have to make it!


Mini Pumpkin Pies: These little cuties are just a bite each! Perfect for a tea or dessert buffet or when you’re asked to bring dessert but only have 30 minutes to make something.

Pumpkin Pie-Stuffed Cookies: All the flavors of pie in a craveable, easy-to-eat cookie crust. These make a great after-school snack or to bring out while watching a movie, and they take under an hour to make.

Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Pie: This top-rated recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast and yet easy enough to surprise the family with an after dinner treat any night of the week.

Looking for more pumpkin bars recipes to satisfy your craving? Check out our pumpkin bar collection.

Need inspiration for more Turkey Day menu ideas? Here are our Best Thanksgiving Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Difference Between Canned Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pie Filling?

Yes! We call for canned pumpkin—which is just cooked, puréed pumpkin and nothing else added. It gives these bars the best homemade pumpkin pie flavor with your spices mixed in. Pumpkin pie filling is pumpkin with added sugar, spices and sometimes flavoring. It’s sweeter than canned pumpkin and can vary between brands. So, in order to get a consistent flavor, sweetness, and texture no matter where or when you make this recipe, we call for canned pumpkin.

How Do You Know When Pumpkin Pie Bars are Done?

Set your timer for the minimum bake time and then check the bars by jiggling the pan slightly (using a hot pad or oven mitt, of course). If the center of the filling doesn’t move, then the bars are set and finished baking. The edges can still jiggle—that’s ok---they will continue to set up as they cool. If the center isn’t set, add a minute or two more bake time and then check them again.

Can I Make Pumpkin Pie Bars Ahead?

For the best texture of the crescent roll crust and filling, it’s best to make and bake this pumpkin bar recipe the same day you plan to serve them.

Do Pumpkin Pie Bars Need to be Refrigerated?

Any leftover baked bars can be placed on a plate, covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften and be less tender after storage though.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie Bars?

We do not recommend freezing these bars, as neither the crust nor the filling will be ideal when thawed.

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

  • Prep Time 10 min
  • Total 2 hr 30 min
  • Ingredients 9
  • Servings 12
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 350°F. Line 11x7-inch pan with cooking parchment paper, leaving about 1 to 2 inches paper hanging over sides of pan.
  • Step 
    2
    Unroll 1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dough sheet in bottom of pan; press with fingers in bottom and up sides. Set aside.
  • Step 
    3
    In large bowl, beat 2 eggs, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), 1 cup whipping cream, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon salt with whisk until smooth and well blended. Pour mixture into pan over dough.
  • Step 
    4
    Bake on middle oven rack 45 to 50 minutes or until center is set. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Step 
    5
    Using hanging paper, lift from pan. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows to make 12 bars or 4 rows by 4 rows to make 16 bars. Garnish each bar just before serving with whipped cream or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Store leftovers tightly covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition

210 Calories
10g Total Fat
3g Protein
27g Total Carbohydrate
14g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
210
Calories from Fat
90
Total Fat
10g
16%
Saturated Fat
6g
28%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
60mg
19%
Sodium
280mg
11%
Potassium
115mg
3%
Total Carbohydrate
27g
9%
Dietary Fiber
1g
4%
Sugars
14g
Protein
3g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
120%
120%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
6%
6%
Exchanges:
1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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