Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Treat

Caramel pumpkin butter bars combine autumn’s most beloved seasonal flavors into an irresistible sweet treat.

Warm spices and creamy textures dance together in this delectable dessert that promises pure comfort.

Rich layers of smooth caramel intertwine with robust pumpkin notes, creating a sensory experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft, buttery crusts provide the perfect foundation for these decadent bars, offering a delightful contrast of textures.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy elements that capture the essence of fall’s culinary magic.

Crumbly, golden edges hint at the indulgent experience waiting beneath the surface of these luscious bars.

Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful seasonal indulgence.

Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars That Taste Like Autumn

• Capture Autumn's Essence: These bars pack the warmth of fall with rich pumpkin and caramel flavors that dance together in every delectable bite.
• Effortless Elegance: The simple mixing method and easy crumbly dough technique make this dessert accessible for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise.
• Texture Symphony: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery crust and the smooth, velvety pumpkin caramel sauce that creates an irresistible mouthfeel.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for holiday gatherings or weekend treats, these bars can be prepared in advance and stored easily, making entertaining a breeze without last-minute stress.

Ingredients to Make Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Butter: Foundational ingredient for rich, creamy texture and flavor depth.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create golden-brown color.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Adds smooth texture and subtle sweetness to the bars.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps bind the bar's crumbly texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, classic autumn flavor profile to the dessert.

• Caramel Sauce: Delivers rich, sweet, and sticky dimension to the bars.
• Pure Pumpkin: Introduces moisture, earthy flavor, and seasonal character.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to baking dish.

Baking Instructions for Pumpkin Butter Bars with Caramel

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Caramel Sauce

• Caramel sauce
• Pure pumpkin
• Pumpkin pie spice

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Create Butter Dough Base

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Confectioners' sugar

Mix for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Flour to Dough

Slowly add flour on low mixer speed. The mixture will become crumbly as it mixes.

Step 5: Create First Crust Layer

Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes until light golden brown.

Step 6: Cool Initial Crust

Remove from oven and let crust cool for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Pumpkin Caramel Layer

Pour prepared pumpkin caramel sauce over the baked crust. Spread evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle remaining crumbly dough over the caramel-pumpkin layer.

Step 9: Final Baking

Bake for an additional 25 minutes until the topping turns golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious dessert!

Tips to Keep Your Bars Moist and Buttery

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without overworking the mixer.
• Crumb Consistency Matters: When mixing dough, stop when it looks like coarse sand- this creates that perfect crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-like base.
• Spread Caramel Evenly: Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to distribute pumpkin caramel sauce uniformly across the first baked crust layer for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch bars closely during second baking stage; golden edges indicate doneness without drying out the delicate texture.
• Cool Completely Crucial: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature before cutting to help caramel set and ensure clean, precise square slices that hold their shape.

Proper Storage and Reheating for Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Place bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture. Enjoy slightly warm for the best taste and texture.

Drinks and Sides That Match Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Brew Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the rich, warm flavors of caramel pumpkin butter bars with a creamy, spiced chai latte that echoes the dessert's autumnal notes.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a warm bar with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that highlights the caramel and pumpkin essence.
• Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Dollop homemade cinnamon-infused whipped cream alongside the bars to enhance the warm spices and add a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Match with Aged Bourbon: For adult gatherings, pour a small glass of smooth, aged bourbon that will bring out the deep caramel undertones and complement the dessert's rich, buttery profile.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumbly dough for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl: Mix in dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
• Cream Cheese Marble: Blend softened cream cheese with the pumpkin caramel sauce to create a tangy, creamy layer between the buttery crusts.
• Maple Spice Upgrade: Replace some of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and increase the pumpkin pie spice for a more intense autumn-inspired profile.

Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel pumpkin butter bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich, creamy indulgence. Spiced layers of silky pumpkin and buttery caramel create a perfectly balanced dessert you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (452 g / 4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Sweeteners:

• 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 12 ounces (340 g) caramel sauce

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (123 g) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F and prepare a rectangular baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray.
2. Combine softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars in a mixing bowl, whipping the mixture until it becomes airy and pale.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the sugar-butter mixture, blending until the texture transforms into a crumbly, loose consistency.
4. Gently press half of the crumbly dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundational layer.
5. Bake the initial crust until it develops a delicate golden hue, approximately 25 minutes.
6. While the crust bakes, whisk together caramel sauce, pure pumpkin puree, and warming pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl.
7. Allow the initial crust to rest and slightly cool for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
8. Carefully spread the pumpkin-caramel mixture across the partially baked crust, ensuring an uniform coverage.
9. Scatter the remaining crumbly dough over the pumpkin-caramel layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
10. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely within the baking dish.
12. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into neat square portions for serving.

Notes

• Prep ahead by mixing pumpkin caramel sauce early to let flavors meld and intensify.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing that creates a perfectly textured crust.
• Ensure even layer distribution when pressing dough into baking dish to guarantee consistent baking and texture.
• Cool bars completely before cutting to help them set and prevent crumbling, resulting in clean, neat squares.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• Select high-quality pumpkin pie spice for a more robust and authentic autumn flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg