Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with these absolutely delightful Thanksgiving dessert bars. They’re the perfect treat to share around the table, combining the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin with a hint of spice that just screams holiday cheer. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, sweet bar that tastes like fall—it’s such a joy! Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just looking for a sweet indulgence, these bars will make your Thanksgiving extra special. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert bars:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: These will form the buttery base that holds everything together, giving a nice crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Trust me, this is what makes the crust rich and delicious. Make sure it’s melted so it combines easily!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Use canned or homemade puree; either way, it brings that iconic fall flavor.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds a creamy sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the bars that lovely custardy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors, making them sing!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth to the pumpkin.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg brings in that holiday spirit.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: This adds a lovely zing that complements the other spices perfectly.
Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start baking, and you’re all set for a fantastic holiday treat!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Dessert Bars
Ready to dive into this deliciously simple recipe? Let’s get those Thanksgiving dessert bars in the oven! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a sweet treat that’ll impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those bars to bake evenly!
- While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated. It should feel like wet sand!
- Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even; this will be the sturdy base for your bars.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy; this is where the magic happens!
- Now, sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until everything is combined, and it smells heavenly!
- Pour this luscious filling over your crust, spreading it out evenly. You want every bite to be full of that delicious pumpkin goodness.
- Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the dish before slicing them into squares. I know it’s tempting, but patience is key!
And there you have it! The process is straightforward, and trust me, the end result will make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Thanksgiving dessert bars come together in no time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices fills your home with that irresistible holiday aroma.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with family and friends; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars in advance, so you can focus on other Thanksgiving preparations.
- Versatile: Top with whipped cream or serve plain; they’re delicious either way!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving dessert bars turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the baking dish; this will help it hold together when you slice the bars. Keep an eye on the baking time—25 to 30 minutes is ideal, but every oven is different, so check for that slight jiggle in the center. Once cooled, I like to refrigerate them for a bit before serving; it enhances the flavors and makes them easier to cut. And don’t forget, a dollop of whipped cream on top takes these bars to the next level of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to desserts, I always say balance is key! Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just a general guideline. For each scrumptious serving of these Thanksgiving dessert bars, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
These values are perfect for enjoying a sweet treat without too much guilt! Just remember, everything in moderation, especially during the holidays!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these amazing Thanksgiving dessert bars? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I get:
Can I substitute pumpkin puree? Absolutely! You can use sweet potato puree for a slightly different flavor, and it works just as beautifully in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They taste great chilled!
Can I freeze these bars? Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. They can last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
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 top; it’s like a little taste of heaven!
If you have more questions, feel free to ask! I’m here to help you create the perfect holiday treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover Thanksgiving dessert bars is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, which is perfect for those late-night snacks or post-Thanksgiving indulgences. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat; they’re delicious served chilled or at room temperature!
Print
Thanksgiving Dessert Bars to Savor: 7 Irresistible Reasons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving dessert bars that combine pumpkin and spices for a festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger to the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- You can substitute the pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert bars, pumpkin bars, holiday treats
