Thanksgiving dessert bars that will warm your heart instantly

Name: Thanksgiving dessert bars that will warm your heart instantly
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder

14 listopada, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Welcome to my favorite time of the year—Thanksgiving! It’s that magical season filled with cozy gatherings, laughter, and of course, delicious food. Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for *Thanksgiving dessert bars* that are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, spiced pumpkin bar that captures all the flavors of fall—yes, please!

These bars are a delightful blend of pumpkin puree and the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all nestled in a buttery oat crust. They’re perfect for a crowd, so whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or heading to a potluck, these bars are a hit every time. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice!”

I’ve been making these bars for years, and they’ve become a beloved staple in my house during the holiday season. The best part? They’re so simple to whip up, and they can even be made a day ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big day. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Thanksgiving dessert bars. I promise, the ingredients are simple and straightforward!

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base for our crust, giving it a nice structure.
1/2 cup rolled oats – These add a delightful chewiness and a bit of heartiness to the crust.
1/2 cup brown sugar – For that rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This helps bind everything together and gives the crust its amazing buttery flavor.
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree – Not just for pies! This adds moisture and that fabulous pumpkin flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – To sweeten up the filling just right.
2 large eggs – These are essential for binding the filling together and giving it a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Because what’s fall without a little cinnamon spice?
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – For that warm, cozy flavor that just screams Thanksgiving.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a little zing to the mix!
1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This will help our bars rise and become nice and fluffy.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be one step closer to baking up some heavenly dessert bars that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Dessert Bars

Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these *Thanksgiving dessert bars*! It’s a super straightforward process, but don’t worry—I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat to share in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the dessert bars bake evenly. You want them perfectly set, not gooey in the middle, so make sure you give your oven a good 10-15 minutes to warm up while you prepare the crust.

Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and softened butter. I like to use my hands for this part—it’s way more fun! Just mix everything together until you get a crumbly texture. It should feel like wet sand that holds together when you squeeze it. This is the base of our bars, and trust me, it’s gonna be delicious!

Bake the Crust

Now, take this crumbly goodness and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. You want it nice and compact—this will help it hold its shape. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes. When it’s done, it should look lightly golden and just set. Take it out and let it cool for a few minutes while you whip up the filling.

Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. You should have a lovely, fragrant mixture that smells like fall! If you see any lumps, don’t worry—just keep whisking until it’s silky.

Assemble and Bake

Now comes the fun part! Carefully pour the pumpkin filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It’s going to look so good already! Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Just keep an eye on it—it’s hard to resist peeking in!

Cool and Cut

Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is essential—if you cut them too soon, they might crumble! After they’ve cooled, slice them into bars and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. These bars are ready to impress, so go ahead and dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: These dessert bars come together in just about 55 minutes, making them a breeze to whip up even on a busy holiday.
Easy to Serve: Cut them into squares, and you’ve got the perfect finger food that everyone can enjoy without the fuss of plates and utensils!
Packed with Fall Flavors: With warm spices and rich pumpkin, every bite is like a cozy hug that captures the essence of autumn.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family feast or a holiday potluck, these bars are always a hit and sure to impress your guests.

Tips for Success

Here are some of my top tips to ensure your Thanksgiving dessert bars turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom make all the difference!

Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients, creating that perfect crumbly crust.
Check for Doneness: When baking, keep an eye on those edges! The filling should be set with just a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out. If you overbake, you risk losing that lovely, moist texture.
Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing a breeze.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge—just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It adds a delightful creaminess that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious Thanksgiving dessert bars. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a little note before you dig into these delicious Thanksgiving dessert bars! The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels on your products for the most accurate information. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert bars? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you along your baking journey.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just be sure to cook and puree it until smooth. It’ll add a lovely, fresh flavor to the bars. Just remember to measure out the same amount as the canned puree—1 can equals about 1 ¾ cups of fresh pumpkin.

What if I don’t have rolled oats?

No problem! You can substitute with quick oats or even leave them out completely if you prefer a smoother crust. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a vegan butter alternative. They’ll still be just as delightful!

How can I store leftovers?

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge. Just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste!

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

What are some fun variations I can try?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in some cream cheese for a cheesecake-like filling. The choice is yours!

I hope these FAQs help you feel more confident in making your Thanksgiving dessert bars! Remember, the best part is to have fun and enjoy the process. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made these delightful Thanksgiving dessert bars, and now you’re wondering how to store them, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for days to come.

First, let your bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week—just make sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you want to keep them longer, go ahead and pop them in the fridge! They’ll stay fresh for about a week in there as well. Just remember to let them sit out for a bit before serving, as they taste best at room temperature.

Now, if you find yourself with leftover bars (which is honestly a little hard to believe because they’re so good!), you can also freeze them for future enjoyment. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. No reheating needed—serve them chilled or let them warm up a bit on the counter!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving dessert bars at your leisure. Happy snacking!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.