Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Recipe

Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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