Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite Thanksgiving pie bar! This delightful dessert is a glorious layer of flavors that just screams holiday spirit. Imagine rich pumpkin filling nestled on a buttery crust, all topped off with crunchy pecans. It’s like a hug on a plate! Every year, my family gathers around the kitchen, and as soon as the aroma fills the air, everyone knows it’s time for dessert. I remember the first time I made it—my cousin couldn’t get enough and kept asking for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the perfect sweet ending to a hearty Thanksgiving feast, and trust me, it’ll become a beloved tradition in your home too. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this scrumptious treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping
How to Make a Thanksgiving Pie Bar
Making this Thanksgiving pie bar is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done! Let’s get started with some simple steps that’ll bring your holiday spirit to life and fill your home with a heavenly smell!
Prepare the Crust
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I like to use a fork or a pastry cutter to mix it all together until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want that buttery goodness to be evenly distributed! Then, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even—this will be the delicious base for your pumpkin filling!
Make the Pumpkin Filling
Now, onto the star of the show—our pumpkin filling! In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix it all until it’s smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a lovely, thick consistency that’s just begging to be poured over that crust. Don’t worry if it looks a little loose; it’ll set up beautifully in the oven!
Assemble and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Pour the pumpkin mixture over your pressed crust, making sure to spread it evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans on top for that crunch we all love. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center looks firm but still has a slight jiggle. Let it cool in the pan for a bit before slicing it up. You can serve it warm or chilled, but I always recommend topping each piece with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just about 50 minutes!
- Delicious flavor combinations of pumpkin, spices, and crunchy pecans.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to slice and serve, so it’s great for feeding a crowd.
- Can be made a day in advance, saving you time on the big day.
- Rich and satisfying, offering a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving pie bar turns out absolutely perfect with these handy tips! Trust me, a little foresight can go a long way in the kitchen.
- Measure Carefully: Baking is all about precision, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make your crust tough—nobody wants that!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and butter sit out for a bit before you start. It helps them blend more easily, giving you a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the pumpkin filling, be careful not to overmix. Just whisk until everything is combined; this keeps the filling light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can be tricky! If you’re unsure whether the pie bar is done, give it a gentle shake. If the edges are set and the middle has a slight jiggle, it’s ready to come out!
- Cool Before Cutting: Give your pie bar some time to cool down before you slice into it. This helps it firm up and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg, go for it! Make it your own!
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just remember to add that whipped cream fresh before serving!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with a Thanksgiving pie bar that’s not only delicious but also beautifully made. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this scrumptious Thanksgiving pie bar and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky enough!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep that delicious flavor intact.
First off, let your pie bar cool completely in the baking dish. Once it’s cool, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. Stored this way, your pie bar will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to add any whipped cream toppings fresh before serving!
If you want to enjoy your Thanksgiving pie bar a little longer, you can freeze it! Slice it into individual pieces, wrap each piece snugly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just take out the desired amount and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best texture!
Keeping these storage tips in mind means you can savor the flavors of your Thanksgiving pie bar long after the holiday feast is over. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
As with any delicious treat, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? So, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful Thanksgiving pie bar:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands or any delightful tweaks you might make. Enjoy every bite guilt-free, and savor the flavors of the season!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Pie Bar
Got questions about this fabulous Thanksgiving pie bar? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I’ve come across. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Can I make this pie bar gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free Thanksgiving pie bar, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free to keep it safe for everyone!
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you’re in a pinch or just want to try something different, you can use butternut squash puree or even sweet potato puree! They’ll give you a similar texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment!
How can I make this pie bar vegan?
To veganize this recipe, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based butter. The filling can be made with coconut cream instead of eggs, and it will still taste delicious!
What toppings work best with the Thanksgiving pie bar?
I love topping mine with a generous dollop of whipped cream, but you can also use caramel sauce, toasted coconut, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a fun twist! Fresh whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser though!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! The Thanksgiving pie bar can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely before covering it tightly. It’ll save you time on the big day, and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
How do I know when the pie bar is done baking?
When baking, keep an eye on it! The edges should be set and the center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquidy. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
With these answers in mind, I hope you feel ready to whip up your own Thanksgiving pie bar and impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
Print
Thanksgiving Pie Bar: 7 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Thanksgiving pie bar with layers of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt to form a crust.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Let it cool and then serve with whipped cream.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving pie bar, pumpkin pie, dessert, holiday treats
