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If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars. This easy-to-make, yet decadent dessert is ideal for a holiday dinner or a special treat any time of the year. With layers of buttery crust, creamy pumpkin custard, and a crunchy pecan topping, this dessert combines all your favorite fall flavors in one bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars
There’s something truly special about the combination of pumpkin and pecans. The creamy pumpkin custard is smooth and perfectly spiced, while the pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. These bars are a fantastic twist on the classic pumpkin pie, offering all the cozy flavors you love in a convenient, portable form.
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Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Perfect for Holidays: These bars are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for novice bakers.
- Rich and Creamy: The custard filling is luxurious, with a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp crust and crunchy topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare these bars a day in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars
Crust:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 6 Tbsp. cold butter
- 1 Tbsp. water
Custard Filling:
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by chopping the cold butter into cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water and mix until just combined. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9″x9″ baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, flour, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Pour the custard filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 4: Add the Pecan Topping
While the custard is baking, prepare the pecan topping. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and chopped pecans until the pecans are well coated. Add the brown sugar and stir until evenly mixed. After the bars have baked for 40 minutes, remove them from the oven and carefully sprinkle the pecan mixture over the top.
Step 5: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the custard is set with just a slight jiggle in the center. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to a flaky crust, so make sure your butter is straight from the fridge.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid a tough crust.
- Check for Doneness: The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake the bars in a 9″x13″ pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars, be sure to check out these other fall favorites:
- The Best 5 Halloween Recipes for a Better Halloween This Year
- Witches Brew Cream Cheese Halloween Dip
- Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Orange Mascarpone Swirl
Share Your Creations!
I’d love to see how your Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest at EMMARECIPES18. Let’s inspire others to make this delicious dessert!
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Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Pecan Custard Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any fall occasion. With a buttery crust, creamy pumpkin custard filling, and a crunchy pecan topping, these bars combine all the best flavors of autumn in one irresistible treat. They’re a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making holiday prep a breeze!
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 6 Tbsp. cold butter, cubed
- 1 Tbsp. water
- Custard Filling:
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
- Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9″x9″ baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water and mix just until combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, flour, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice until smooth. Pour the custard filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 40 minutes. While the bars are baking, mix the melted butter, chopped pecans, and brown sugar in a small bowl until the pecans are well coated.
- After 40 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the custard. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or your favorite topping.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
- Variations: Feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 473kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 375mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 119mg