Pumpkin Shortbread Bars Recipe
Overview
Indulge in these delightful Pumpkin Shortbread Bars, a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for the whole family, this recipe invites kids to join in the fun by helping press the buttery crust into the pan, making it an enjoyable kitchen activity. With a rich pumpkin filling and a buttery base, these bars are ideal for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Cooking and Preparation Times
| Total Time | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour 5 minutes | 20 minutes | 45 minutes |
Recipe Category
- Dessert
- Bar Cookie
Keywords
- Dessert
- Cookie & Brownie
- Scottish
- European
- Christmas
- For Large Groups
- < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Light cream cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Pumpkin | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 1/2 cups |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pecans | 16 (chopped) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228.6 |
| Total Fat | 11.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 43.5 mg |
| Sodium | 195.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30.2 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 22.7 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your bars.
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-
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and flour until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to create a solid crust.
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Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the light cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Incorporate the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, continuing to beat until well blended.
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Add Spices and Sugar: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined and you achieve a luscious filling.
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Spread and Sprinkle: Carefully spread the pumpkin mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously on top for added flavor and texture.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The bars will be puffed and slightly set around the edges while the middle remains soft.
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Cool and Chill: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill until they are firm to the touch, as the middle will continue to set during this time.
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Cut and Serve: When ready to serve, cut the chilled bars into squares. For an extra touch, consider serving them with whipped topping if desired.
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Enjoy: Delight in the deliciousness of your homemade Pumpkin Shortbread Bars, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
These Pumpkin Shortbread Bars are not only scrumptious but also easy to make, making them the ultimate treat for any occasion!
