Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? The air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, spices, and the promise of delicious desserts that bring everyone together. One of my absolute favorite treats for this holiday has to be these Thanksgiving bars dessert! Imagine a delightful blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and a buttery graham cracker crust all in one bite. They’re so easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I remember the first time I brought these to a Thanksgiving gathering; they disappeared in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and trust me, they’ll do the same for you. So, let’s dive into how to whip up these scrumptious bars that capture the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
Gathering the ingredients for these delightful Thanksgiving bars dessert is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: You can use store-bought or crush your own for that fresh taste.
- 1 cup butter, melted: This gives the bars a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s unsalted for the best balance.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Just a little extra sweetness to brighten everything up.
- 4 large eggs: These will help bind the filling together, giving it that perfect texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right flavor!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm depth to the bars.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A must-have to evoke that classic fall flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: This will enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): I love adding walnuts or pecans for some crunch, but feel free to skip if you’re not a nut person!
Once you’ve got everything together, you’re just a few steps away from baking up a batch of these yummy bars!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
Alright, let’s get those Thanksgiving bars dessert baking! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll love the process. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand—trust me, it’ll smell amazing!
- Now, take a greased baking pan (a 9×13 inch one works perfectly) and press that crumb mixture evenly into the bottom. You want a nice, firm base, so don’t be shy about using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to pack it down.
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and white sugar until well combined. This mixture is where the magic starts!
- Add in the eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and well-blended. You’ll see that gorgeous color coming together!
- Pour this luscious filling over your crust, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top now for that extra crunch.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
- Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan. Patience is key here! Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars—this helps them hold their shape.
And voilà! You’re just a few simple steps away from a dessert that will steal the show this Thanksgiving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in under an hour!
- Easy cleanup with just a few bowls and a baking pan.
- Delicious flavor that perfectly captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
- Can be made ahead of time, freeing up your day-of schedule!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving bars dessert turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips from my kitchen to yours! First, measure your ingredients accurately—baking is a science, and even slight variations can change the outcome. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugars.
Next, keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. The center should be set but slightly springy to the touch. If you’re unsure, a toothpick test works wonders; it should come out clean or with just a crumb or two.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving clean edges and preventing them from crumbling apart. Trust me, your patience will pay off with perfect-looking bars!
Variations of Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Thanksgiving bars dessert! For a little extra decadence, try adding chocolate chips to the filling—dark or white chocolate both work beautifully and create a delightful contrast with the pumpkin. You can also switch up the spices; try cinnamon, ginger, or even a touch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile that still screams fall.
Feeling fruity? Incorporate some diced apples or cranberries into the mixture for a burst of freshness. If you want to make it a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust. The possibilities are endless, and each variation gives a unique twist to this already delicious dessert!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving bars dessert, the sky’s the limit! I love to top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that creamy contrast. You can even drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra special touch. To present them beautifully, cut the bars into neat squares and arrange them on a festive platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts for a delightful finishing touch that will impress your guests!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for these scrumptious Thanksgiving bars dessert! Each bar is approximately 250 calories and contains around 18g of sugar and 12g of fat. You’ll also find about 3g of protein and 34g of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But trust me, the joy of enjoying these bars is worth it!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
I know you might have some questions about these delicious Thanksgiving bars dessert, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
How should I store the bars? You can keep your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They taste just as good chilled!
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree? Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or even applesauce for a different flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the bars? Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. I like using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, doubling the recipe works great! Just ensure you use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed. Enjoy!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Bars Dessert: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious dessert bar perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar and white sugar.
- Add eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the sugar mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can be served with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bar
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 34g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bars dessert











