Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Golden Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Warm autumn spices dance through these delectable pumpkin pie bars with sweetened condensed milk, promising a slice of seasonal comfort that melts in your mouth.

The rich, creamy texture captures the essence of homemade goodness with every single bite.

Silky pumpkin filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust creates a dessert that whispers of cozy evenings and festive gatherings.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors that seamlessly blend classic pie traditions with convenient bar-style serving.

Unlike traditional pumpkin pies, these bars offer easy portability and effortless sharing at potlucks or holiday celebrations.

The condensed milk adds a luxurious smoothness that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible treat that turns ordinary moments into delightful memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 13

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Cozy Kitchen Setup

Warm up your kitchen and gather all your baking tools. This delightful dessert will fill your home with autumn aromas and comfort.

  • Crumbly Foundation

Mix flour, brown sugar, and crushed pecans to create a rich, nutty base that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Pumpkin Magic

Blend smooth pumpkin puree with creamy sweetened condensed milk and warming spices until the mixture looks like liquid gold.

  • Layer Love

Gently press your crumbly mixture into the baking pan, creating a perfect foundation. Pour the silky pumpkin filling over the top and sprinkle remaining crumbs for a rustic, homemade touch.

  • Oven Transformation

Slide your creation into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Watch as golden edges form and tempting aromas fill your kitchen.

  • Patient Perfection

Allow your bars to cool completely, then refrigerate. This waiting period helps the flavors meld and creates a firm, sliceable texture that will impress everyone.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Cut into squares and serve. Each bite promises a symphony of autumn flavors that capture the essence of cozy gatherings and sweet memories.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bars

  • Ensure your oven temperature is accurate using an oven thermometer to guarantee perfectly golden-brown pumpkin bars every time.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or try a mix of chopped nuts for added crunch and personalized flavor in your crumb topping.
  • Prepare these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining and quick dessert options.
  • Experiment with additional warm spices like cloves or cardamom to enhance the traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile and create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert and impress your guests with restaurant-style presentation.

Serving Pumpkin Pie Bars with a Sweetened Twist

  • Cozy Fall Dessert Platter: Create a rustic autumn spread by arranging the pumpkin pie bars alongside cinnamon sticks, whole pecans, and a small pitcher of warm caramel sauce for drizzling.
  • Whipped Cream Elegance: Top each bar with a delicate swirl of homemade whipped cream and a light dusting of ground nutmeg for an extra touch of sophistication and flavor complexity.
  • Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve these bars alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or rich espresso to complement the warm, comforting flavors of the pumpkin and pecan crust.
  • Seasonal Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a charming homemade gift that captures the essence of fall's delightful baking traditions.

Storing Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep these delectable bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment maintains their creamy texture and prevents the pumpkin filling from spoiling quickly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 3 days before serving, which allows flavors to meld and intensify. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to lock in moisture and freshness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing their delightful taste or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Portion Control Trick: Cut bars into smaller squares and separate layers with parchment paper when storing. This prevents sticking and makes grabbing a quick dessert super convenient for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk – Ingredient List

For Crust and Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for the crumbly crust, selecting unbleached flour ensures a rich, wholesome texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps bind the crust, choosing dark brown sugar intensifies the flavor profile.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light, airy texture in the crust, ensuring fresh powder guarantees optimal rising.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to the crust, selecting high-quality Ceylon cinnamon offers superior flavor.
  • Chopped Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and depth, toasting pecans beforehand enhances their rich, complex taste.
  • Softened Butter: Binds ingredients and adds richness, using room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
For Pumpkin Filling:
  • Canned Pumpkin: Delivers authentic autumn flavor, selecting 100% pure pumpkin puree ensures authentic taste.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides creamy sweetness and smooth consistency, using full-fat version creates luxurious texture.
  • Eggs: Act as binding agent and create structure, using fresh large eggs ensures perfect consistency.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize filling, selecting non-GMO cornstarch provides cleaner ingredient profile.
For Spices:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting flavor to filling, using freshly ground spices intensifies aroma.
  • Ground Ginger: Brings subtle heat and complexity, selecting organic ginger enhances overall taste.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Contributes rich, slightly sweet undertone, using whole nutmeg and grating fresh provides superior flavor.

What You’ll Need to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars with Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • 9 x 13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for creating delicious pumpkin bars.
  • Parchment paper: Helps lift bars out easily and prevents sticking.
  • Whisk: Great for blending pumpkin filling until silky and lump-free.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting clean, precise bar squares.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows bars to cool evenly after baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Print
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Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Bars


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin pie bars with sweetened condensed milk deliver comfort and nostalgia for classic dessert enthusiasts. Creamy spiced filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust promises delightful autumn indulgence you can savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) salted butter, softened to room temperature (or unsalted butter + ½ tsp salt)
  • 3 cups (360 g / 12.7 oz) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) chopped pecans
  • 3 tbsps cornstarch
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Position the oven rack centrally and heat to 375°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
  2. Develop Crust Foundation: Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and pecans in a mixing bowl. Integrate softened butter until a crumbly texture forms, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for topping.
  3. Establish Base Layer: Press the remaining crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact foundation.
  4. Compose Pumpkin Filling: Whisk canned pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cornstarch, and warm spices until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  5. Assemble and Finish: Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust, ensuring complete coverage. Scatter the reserved crumb mixture across the top to create a rustic, textured surface.
  6. Bake and Cool: Place in the preheated oven for 28-34 minutes until the top turns golden bronze. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  7. Serve and Present: Lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares, revealing the intricate layers of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Optimize Oven Placement: Center the rack to ensure even heat distribution and consistent baking, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.
  • Parchment Paper Trick: Use overhanging parchment paper for easy removal, allowing you to lift the entire dessert out without breaking or crumbling the bars.
  • Crumb Crust Technique: Reserve some crumb mixture for topping to create a delightful textural contrast between the soft pumpkin filling and crispy pecan-studded layer.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set the filling completely, which helps develop deeper flavors and makes cutting clean, precise squares easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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