5-Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Bars

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Aug 19, 2024
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Pumpkin pie bars in a grid on parchment paper with a spatula
Credit: Joe Lingeman

With just 5 ingredients, these pumpkin pie bars are easy to make and share.

Serves12 to 16

Makes12 bars

Prep10 minutes

Cook40 minutes to 45 minutes

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Pumpkin pie bars in a grid on parchment paper with a spatula
Credit: Joe Lingeman

If the hardest decision at your holiday table is choosing between desserts — be it a slice of pumpkin pie, a scoop of seasonal fruit crumble, or even a simple sugar cookie — these pumpkin pie bars are a sweet solution to your Thanksgiving troubles.

These bars make use of smart grocery store shortcuts, like refrigerated sugar cookie dough and canned pumpkin pie mix. For the finishing touch, a buttery oat crumble is sprinkled over top. If this is the only dessert on the table, cut into generous squares. For potlucks or bake sales, cut into smaller pieces so everyone can have a bite!

Why You’ll Love It

  • These pumpkin pie bars are the ultimate fall dessert. Made with a sweet cookie crust, a spiced pumpkin filling, and a buttery oat crumble, these bars will satisfy all your fall cravings.
  • It makes use of smart grocery store shortcuts. Ditch the homemade pastry and homemade filling and reach for a roll of refrigerated sugar cookie dough and canned pumpkin pie mix instead!
Credit: Joe Lingeman

Key Ingredients in Pumpkin Pie Bars

  • Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: This sweet cookie dough provides the perfect base for the bars.
  • Pumpkin pie mix: Unlike pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie mix is already packed with warming fall spices and a touch of sugar.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted butter is combined with oats for the topping.
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats have the best texture for the buttery oat crumble.
  • Light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds some sweetness to the oat crumble.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

  1. Press the cookie dough into the baking dish. Cut the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 pieces, arrange in a single layer in the baking dish, and press the dough into a thin layer.
  2. Spread the pumpkin pie mix on top. Spread the pumpkin pie mix evenly over the cookie dough.
  3. Make the oat crumble. Melt the butter, then combine it with the old-fashioned rolled oats, light brown sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Scatter the oat mixture evenly over the pumpkin.
  4. Bake. Bake until the edges and bottom are golden and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack and let cool completely.

Helpful Swaps

  • Cookie dough: You could make these bars with your favorite gingerbread or molasses cookie dough (either store-bought or homemade). Press the dough into a thin layer so it bakes up golden and chewy.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

More Pumpkin Desserts to Try

Editor’s Note

We’ve retested the recipe and increased the baking time to 40 to 45 minutes. Please note that we use canned pumpkin pie mix (not pumpkin purée) in this recipe. – August 2024

Comments

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

With just 5 ingredients, these pumpkin pie bars are easy to make and share.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 40 minutes to 45 minutes

Makes 12 bars

Serves 12 to 16

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 (16.5-ounce) package

    refrigerated sugar cookie dough

  • 1 (15-ounce) can

    pumpkin pie mix (not pumpkin purée)

  • 2 tablespoons

    unsalted butter

  • 1 cup

    old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 tablespoons

    packed light brown sugar

  • 1 pinch

    kosher salt

Instructions

Show Images

  1. Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper so that it hangs off the two long sides to form a sling.

  2. Cut 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 pieces and arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Press the cookie dough into an even layer. Spread 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin pie mix evenly over the cookie dough.

  3. Place 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. (Alternatively, melt on the stovetop.) Add 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, and 1 pinch kosher salt, and stir to combine. Scatter the oat mixture evenly over the pumpkin.

  4. Bake until the edges and bottom are golden and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Place on a wire rack and let cool completely. Grasping the parchment, lift the slab out of the baking dish and place on a cutting board. Cut into 12 or 16 pieces.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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