Pumpkin Pecan Bars

15 prep + 1 5 cook

205 kcal

Yields: bars

With an easy crust and a creamy pumpkin layer topped with sweet pecans, these pumpkin pecan bars combine two of the best fall desserts into one delicious treat.

Ingredients

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Pumpkin Filling

16 ounce pumpkin puree, (1 can)
12 ounce evaporated milk, (1 can)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 egg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pecan Topping

3/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
whipped cream, optional
ground cinnamon, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, extending pieces over the sides for easy handling. Spray the inside with cooking spray, then set dish aside.
Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), mix together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter until combined, about 2-3 minutes. Mixture will be soft and crumbly.
Pour crust mixture into prepared baking dish, pressing down to create a firm, even layer.
Bake crust for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool.

For the Pumpkin Filling

While crust cooks, prepare filling. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), mix together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until thoroughly mixed and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Pour filling mixture into prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

For the Pecan Topping

While filling cools, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix together pecans and brown sugar, tossing until pecans are coated. Sprinkle prepared topping on top of baked filling.
Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. If you'd like the pecans to be toasted, set oven to medium broil and bake for another 3-4 minutes.

Putting it all together

Allow pan to cool completely, then cut into bars (typically 2x2 inches in size.)
Serve pumpkin pecan bars immediately with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon (both optional.)