Name: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 47 min
Total time: 3 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix); For the pumpkin filling:; 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk; 2 large eggs, room temperature; For the pecan topping:; 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix); 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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These pumpkin pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on two holiday favorites—classic pumpkin pie and rich pecan pie. With a soft sugar cookie crust, creamy spiced pumpkin filling, and a crunchy cinnamon pecan streusel on top, these bars are an easy, shareable dessert perfect for fall gatherings. Plus, there’s a gluten-free option, making them accessible for all your guests.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin pecan pie bars combine cozy fall flavors in an easy-to-serve format. Here’s why they’re a seasonal must-bake:

Three delicious layers: buttery crust, smooth pumpkin center, crunchy pecan topping
Perfect for parties or potlucks dessert tables
Easier to make and slice than a traditional pie
Can be made gluten-free with a simple flour swap
Balanced sweetness and warm spice in every bite
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Can be made ahead and stored
Great for gift boxes or bake sales
No pie crust rolling required
Looks and tastes impressive with minimal effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix)

For the pumpkin filling:

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup lightly packed brown sugar
2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk
2 large eggs, room temperature

For the pecan topping:

½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking mix)
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix until crumbly.
Press crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–17 minutes, until just starting to brown around the edges. Cool for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, and evaporated milk. Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
Make the pecan topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands to work in the butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans.
Pour the pumpkin filling over the cooled crust. Gently sprinkle the pecan topping evenly on top.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and the center is set.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 bars.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 47 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 hours 12 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix instead of regular flour.
Nut-free: Omit pecans and replace topping with an oat streusel.
Spiced variation: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and evaporated coconut milk (note: flavor will change slightly).
Mini version: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats—adjust bake time to 15–18 minutes.
Whipped cream topping: Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1 day.
Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in the fridge, covered tightly.
Freezer: Freeze cooled bars wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but can be gently warmed in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for making a day or two in advance. Chill completely and store covered.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by about 5–10 minutes as needed.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

No, use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices which will throw off the recipe.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, after the first day they should be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?

It’s possible, but the sugar cookie crust adds a unique, buttery texture that complements the pumpkin filling best.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Chill completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes, chopped walnuts work just as well in the streusel topping.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The center should look set and not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The topping will be golden and crisp.

Are these bars very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet, with a balance of spice and nuttiness. The topping adds a caramelized crunch.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, for a fun twist, stir mini chocolate chips into the crust or sprinkle some on top with the pecans.

Conclusion

Pumpkin pecan pie bars are the ultimate fall dessert—easy to make, easy to serve, and hard to resist. With layers of buttery crust, velvety pumpkin filling, and a sweet, spiced pecan crumble, they capture all the best flavors of the season in one perfect bite. Whether for a cozy fall gathering, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to impress.