Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of roasted turkey and pumpkin spice, and families gather to share warmth and gratitude. I absolutely love the idea of Thanksgiving dessert bars because they capture all those cozy, seasonal flavors in a convenient, easy-to-eat form! Imagine biting into a luscious bar that combines the sweetness of pumpkin puree, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of a buttery crust. It’s the perfect dessert for your holiday table or potluck—everyone can grab a piece without the fuss of slicing a cake. Trust me, these *thanksgiving dessert bars* will quickly become a beloved tradition in your home, bringing joy to your festive celebrations and leaving everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our crust, giving it that delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – Use unsalted butter for the best flavor and richness in your crust.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right consistency.
- 2 eggs – These help bind everything together, giving your bars a lovely, fudgy texture.
- 1 cup sugar – Regular granulated sugar to sweeten up that luscious pumpkin filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – This classic spice brings warmth and coziness to the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – Just a hint of nutmeg adds depth to the pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger – A touch of ginger adds a little zing and complements the other spices.
How to Prepare Instructions
Making these *thanksgiving dessert bars* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up such a delightful treat! Let’s get right into it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake, so don’t skip this step!
- While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix it well until it resembles a crumbly dough.
- Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. You want it to be nice and even, so it bakes uniformly. I usually use my fingers for this part, but a spatula works too!
- Now, in another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger. Whisk it until everything is well blended and smooth. The smell here is heavenly!
- Pour this luscious pumpkin mixture over your crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It’s going to look so good already!
- Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, they’re easier to cut when they’re cool!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: These bars come together in just about 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!
- Delicious seasonal flavors: With pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, every bite is a cozy embrace of Thanksgiving.
- Easy to serve and share: No need for slicing cakes or fussing with plates—just cut into bars and let everyone enjoy!
- Vegetarian-friendly: Perfect for all your guests, these bars cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving dessert bars* turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use high-quality pumpkin puree—homemade is amazing if you have the time, but a good-quality canned version works well too. It makes a huge difference in flavor!
Keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. You want them set but still moist in the center.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor! And don’t forget: these bars are fantastic served warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, it takes them to another level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover *thanksgiving dessert bars* is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days. They’ll stay delicious and moist! If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to a week.
Now, if you prefer to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll dry out! You can also warm them up in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Serve them with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat that’ll make everyone smile!
Nutritional Information
These *thanksgiving dessert bars* are not just a treat for the taste buds but also come with some nutritional insights! Each bar, when cut into 12 servings, contains approximately 180 calories. You’ll find about 8g of fat, including 5g of saturated fat, and 2g of protein. The bars also provide around 24g of carbohydrates and 15g of sugar to satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, there’s about 1g of fiber, which is always a nice bonus! Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, enjoy these delicious bars guilt-free during your holiday celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you have the time! Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Canned pumpkin works great too—just look for 100% pure pumpkin and not the pie filling.
How do I cut the bars for serving?
I recommend waiting until the bars are completely cool before cutting. This makes for cleaner slices! Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neat edges. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These *thanksgiving dessert bars* are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the whipped cream right before serving for that fresh touch!
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
What’s the best way to serve them?
I love serving these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You could also sprinkle some chopped pecans or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra special touch!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *thanksgiving dessert bars*, I like to think of it as a chance to create a delightful dessert spread! Pair these luscious bars with a warm cup of spiced chai or a classic pumpkin spice latte for that cozy, holiday vibe. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
If you’re looking for something a little more festive, a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes for a perfect pairing. And don’t forget about the sides—these bars go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance that pumpkin goodness.
For an added touch, consider serving them alongside a simple cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bars. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this amazing combination!
Print
Thanksgiving Dessert Bars: 7 Irresistible Seasonal Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving dessert bars that combine the flavors of the season into a convenient treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert bars
