Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars

Recipe Ingredients

This is one of those recipes where a few basic ingredients create something truly special. Here’s what brings it all together. 

Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet: This creates an easy, flaky crust for the bars that holds up well under the creamy pumpkin filling. It’s simpler than making a crust from scratch and presses easily into the baking dish. 

Canned Pumpkin: Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. Plain pumpkin doesn’t have any added sugar or spices, so you can control the sweetness and spice levels yourself. Pumpkin pie mix already contains sweeteners and spices, which could make these bars overly sweet or spiced and potentially too runny. 

Whipping Cream: This adds richness and a silky, custard-like texture. Its high fat content helps the bars set properly while keeping them smooth and creamy. Using milk or a lower-fat alternative could result in a thinner, less satisfying texture. 

Other Ingredients: Eggs help bind the filling and give it structure. Brown sugar and corn syrup add sweetness and a touch of chewiness. Pumpkin pie spice brings the warm, cozy flavor we expect from fall desserts, and salt balances everything out. 

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

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

1. Line Pan with Parchment 

Using a 13x9-inch baking dish, 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 and for easy cutting and serving. 

2. Press Dough in Pan 

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

3. Mix the Filling 

Using a whisk, mix all the filling ingredients until well blended and a smooth consistency. 

4. Bake and Cool 

Bake until the center is set. Cool on a cooling rack until the bars are completely cooled. 

5. Lift Out Bars and Cut 

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

How to Store Easy Pumpkin Pie Bar

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, these bars are just as tasty the next day. Here’s how to keep them fresh. 

Refrigerator 

Any leftover baked bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, we found that the crust will soften and be a little less tender after storage.  

Freezer 

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

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 bring them out while watching a movie; 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 as 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.