Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Quick & Cozy Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Pumpkin pie bars craft ordinary dessert moments into cozy autumn celebrations with their rich, velvety texture and warm spices.

These delectable treats capture the essence of seasonal comfort in every delightful bite.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients can create such a memorable sweet experience.

The combination of creamy condensed milk and classic pumpkin flavors elevates this dessert beyond traditional expectations.

Soft, moist, and utterly irresistible, these bars promise to become a family favorite that disappears quickly from serving plates.

Rustic yet elegant, they embody the perfect balance between homemade charm and gourmet sophistication.

You’ll find these bars are more than just a recipe—they’re an invitation to create delicious memories.

Pumpkin Pie Bars with Condensed Milk for Extra Richness

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: These pumpkin pie bars deliver a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth, blending the richness of sweetened condensed milk with warm autumn spices for an instant comfort food experience.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms classic pumpkin pie into convenient bars perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend baking adventures that everyone can enjoy.
  • Texture-Rich Flavor Layers: The genius of this recipe lies in its crumbly pecan-studded crust and silky pumpkin filling, creating a delightful contrast between crunchy bottom and creamy top that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled overnight, making them an ideal dessert for busy hosts who want to impress without last-minute kitchen stress while ensuring deep, developed flavors.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Milk

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for creating a tender, crumbly crust with rich texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Baking Powder: Provides light, soft texture to the crust.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and depth to the crust.
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, flaky base for the bars.
Pumpkin Filling Ingredients:
  • Canned Pumpkin: Smooth, pure pumpkin puree that forms the base of the filling.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, sweet ingredient that adds richness and smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the filling and create a custard-like texture.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and prevent excess moisture.
  • Ground Cinnamon , Ground Ginger , Nutmeg: Warm spice blend that gives classic pumpkin pie flavor.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for clean, precise cutting of the bars.

Directions for Baking Pumpkin Pie Bars the Creamy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven rack in the middle position and crank it up to 375°F. Get ready for some baking magic!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Playground

  • Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan
  • Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal

Step 3: Create the Crumbly Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Chopped pecans

Add softened butter and mix until the mixture looks like delicious crumbs. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for later.

Step 4: Build the Crust Foundation

Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base for your bars.

Step 5: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, blend together:
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Eggs
  • Cornstarch
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top for a crunchy surprise.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 34 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top that signals deliciousness is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.

Step 9: Slice and Indulge

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges.

Tips for Pumpkin Pie Bars That Hold Their Shape

  • Optimize Crust Texture: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, sturdy base that holds together when sliced.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Check the bars at the 28-minute mark to avoid drying out; golden-brown edges indicate perfect doneness.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast the pecans before chopping to release their rich, nutty essence and add complexity to the crust.
  • Achieve Clean Cuts: Use a sharp, heated knife and wipe the blade between each slice for neat, professional-looking bars.
  • Maximize Chilling Time: Let the bars chill overnight for the best texture and flavor melding, allowing the filling to set completely.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Pie Bars Correctly

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled pumpkin pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and crisp. Avoid overheating to maintain the bar's texture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Pair These Pumpkin Pie Bars with These Ideas

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Complement the rich, warm spices of the pumpkin pie bars with a bold espresso or smooth vanilla latte. Dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience that enhances the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Sip Seasonal Drink Matches: Pair these bars with a spiced chai tea or a caramel apple cider to amplify the autumnal flavors. These warming beverages echo the cinnamon and nutmeg notes, making each bite feel like a cozy fall embrace.
  • Create Creamy Dairy Duets: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the dessert's dense, sweet profile. The cool, smooth dairy provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced pumpkin bars.
  • Match Wine Elegance: For an adult twist, choose a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a late-harvest riesling. These wines complement the pie's sweetness while adding a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.

Different Versions of Condensed Milk Pumpkin Bars

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and add dark chocolate chips to the crumb topping for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Squares: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup in the crust and drizzle additional maple syrup over the bars after baking for extra sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crumble Bars: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and substitute almond flour for part of the crust mixture to create a nutty, gluten-free version.
  • Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl Bars: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then swirl into the pumpkin filling before adding the crumb topping for a tangy twist.
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Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin pie bars blend classic autumn spices with creamy condensed milk for a delightful dessert. Rich, velvety layers promise comfort in each bite, inviting warm memories of seasonal gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Crust and Crumb Topping:

  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) salted butter, softened to room temperature (or unsalted butter + ½ teaspoon salt)
  • 3 cups (360 g / 12.7 ounces) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 ounces) brown sugar

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) chopped pecans
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by positioning the rack centrally and heating to 375°F, ensuring uniform temperature distribution.
  2. Create a non-stick foundation for the bars by generously coating a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter and layering parchment paper with overhanging edges for effortless extraction.
  3. Craft the rustic crust by blending flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a large mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
  4. Incorporate softened butter into the dry mixture, gently working until a crumbly, textured dough emerges with delicate pecan fragments.
  5. Strategically set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumbly dough for the topping, then firmly compress the remaining mixture into the prepared pan, creating a compact, even base layer.
  6. Construct the silky pumpkin filling by whisking canned pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cornstarch, and warm spices until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
  7. Delicately cascade the pumpkin mixture over the crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage across the entire surface.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture atop the pumpkin layer, creating a rustic, textured landscape.
  9. Bake for 28-34 minutes, monitoring until the top transforms into a golden, appetizing bronze hue.
  10. Allow the bars to cool naturally on a wire rack, reaching room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours.
  11. Once thoroughly chilled, leverage the parchment paper to extract the entire dessert from the pan.
  12. Slice into elegant squares using a sharp knife, revealing the layers of flavor and texture within each bar.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for effortless bar removal and cleanup.
  • Crumb Topping Secret: Reserve 1 1/2 cups of crust mixture to create a delightful, crunchy top layer.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These bars taste even better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
  • Texture Triumph: The combination of pecans in the crust and smooth pumpkin filling creates an irresistible contrast.
  • Serving Tip: Cut into 18-24 squares for perfect portion control at gatherings or family dessert time.
  • Storage Hack: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the bars fresh and delicious.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 364
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 205 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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