Oh, Thanksgiving desserts are truly the heart of the holiday, aren’t they? I mean, who doesn’t look forward to that sweet finale after a hearty feast? This *Thanksgiving dessert bar* is my secret weapon for gatherings, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin, spices, and buttery pecans into one delightful treat. What I love most about these bars is how they capture all the cozy feelings of fall in every bite, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. I remember the first time I made these for my family—everyone couldn’t help but go back for seconds! Trust me, this is a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So let’s dive in and make this Thanksgiving extra special with a dessert that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Dessert Bar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs – These will form the buttery, crunchy base of your bars.
- 1 cup butter, melted – This adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, giving that delightful flavor to the filling.
- 1 cup brown sugar – For that deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 4 large eggs – These will help set the filling, making it rich and custard-like.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups pumpkin puree – The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin for the best taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – This warm spice is essential for that cozy fall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Just a hint adds a lovely depth to the pumpkin filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Dessert Bar
Getting ready to whip up these scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert bars is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time. Don’t worry if it feels a bit overwhelming; I promise it’s pretty straightforward! Let’s bring those warm, autumn flavors to life.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure your bars bake evenly!
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them until they’re well combined and crumbly—think wet sand! Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to make it nice and compact.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This should only take a minute or two. Now, add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mix. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended.
- Add the pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans for that delightful crunch! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Combine and bake: Pour the pumpkin filling over your crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. This will give you that perfect fudgy texture!
- Cool and cut: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the dish before cutting them into squares. This is key; otherwise, they might crumble!
And there you have it! These bars will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma as they bake. Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for even the busiest holiday cooks!
- Rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and spices that scream Thanksgiving.
- Deliciously fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves a shareable dessert!
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
- The combination of crunchy pecans and creamy pumpkin is simply irresistible.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving dessert bar turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, be sure to press your graham cracker crust firmly into the baking dish—this helps it hold together when you cut the bars later. Next, watch the baking time closely; every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 45-minute mark. You want the center to be set with just a slight jiggle—this means you’ll get that fudgy texture we all love!
Also, don’t rush the cooling process. Letting them cool completely in the dish is crucial for clean cuts. And if you want to take them up a notch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra pecans on top just before serving. Trust me, these little touches make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for each serving of this delightful Thanksgiving dessert bar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Each bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This information is meant to give you a general idea, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and serving sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, simply roast it until soft, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. Just make sure it’s well-drained, so your dessert bar doesn’t turn out too watery.
How do I know when my dessert bars are done baking?
The best way to tell is to give them a gentle shake; if the center has a slight jiggle but the edges are set, they’re good to go! They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Thanksgiving dessert bars are perfect for making a day in advance! Just cover them well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. You can even cut them into squares ahead of time for easy serving!
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or almonds. Both will add a nice crunch and flavor to your bars!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover Thanksgiving dessert bars, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days—though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fudgy texture without overcooking. You can also serve them cold; they’re delicious either way! Just remember, they’re best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of pecans on top for that extra flair.
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Dessert Bar: 5 Ways to Savor Fall Flavors
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delightful dessert bar perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Składniki
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mixture.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bar
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving dessert bar
