Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *thanksgiving bars dessert*! They’re like a cozy hug in dessert form, combining the warm flavors of fall with the ease of a bar cookie. I remember the first time I made these for Thanksgiving; the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. My family couldn’t get enough! They’re perfect for those holiday gatherings when you want something sweet but don’t want to fuss over pie crusts. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and trust me, the combination of pumpkin and pecans is just heavenly. You’ll impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into making these delightful bars that are sure to become a Thanksgiving tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
To whip up these scrumptious *thanksgiving bars dessert*, you’ll need some simple ingredients that blend beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: This will be the base of your bars, giving them that delightful crunch.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: For binding the crumbs and adding richness to the crust.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings that classic autumn flavor.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess, helping to set the filling.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that amplifies the cozy vibes of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the fall flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger: For a little extra zing that complements the pumpkin.
- 2 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: To sprinkle on top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create something magical!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—making these *thanksgiving bars dessert*! Follow along with these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly set.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s compact to create a sturdy crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and eggs until smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush!
- Pour this luscious pumpkin mixture over your crust, spreading it evenly. It should look rich and inviting.
- Now, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top, giving it that extra crunch and flavor boost.
- Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools!
- Once baked, let the bars cool in the dish for a bit before transferring them to the fridge to chill completely. This makes cutting them so much easier!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful *thanksgiving bars dessert* ever.
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delicious *thanksgiving bars dessert*! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and the brands you choose. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
These bars are a delightful treat that balances indulgence with some nutritional goodness. Perfect for your Thanksgiving feast without feeling too guilty about it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for those busy holiday prep days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion that screams Thanksgiving.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
- Fuss-Free Dessert: Say goodbye to complicated pie crusts; these bars deliver all the festive flavor in a simple package.
- Versatile Topping Options: Enjoy them plain, or jazz them up with whipped cream or caramel drizzle for an extra touch.
- Great Make-Ahead Treat: You can prepare these a day or two in advance, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Kid-Friendly: They’re a fun dessert that kids love, making them a great addition to your holiday table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving bars dessert* turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips just for you! Follow these little nuggets of wisdom, and you’ll be on your way to dessert glory.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your ingredient measurements. Use dry measuring cups for the graham cracker crumbs and liquid measuring cups for the melted butter and pumpkin puree.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: After baking, allowing the bars to cool in the pan helps them set better. Patience is key here; cutting them too soon can lead to a crumbly mess!
- Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother filling, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter.
- Adjust Spices to Your Taste: If you love a spicy kick, feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg a bit. Personalize it to match your palate!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your bars a few minutes before the minimum baking time. Look for a set edge and a slightly jiggly center—it’ll firm up as it cools.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh spices and quality pumpkin puree. If you can find it, go for pure pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie filling to control the sweetness.
- Experiment with Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, try walnuts or even almonds! Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture to the bars.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to create a dessert that will wow your family and friends this Thanksgiving!
Variations
These *thanksgiving bars dessert* are already a hit, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! Here are some delightful variations that will add your personal touch to this holiday treat:
- Nutty Surprise: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch. You could also try mixing in some finely chopped almonds for added texture!
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top once the bars have cooled, or fold in some chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for a decadent twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Add a dash of cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile that will surprise your taste buds.
- Caramel Swirl: Before baking, swirl in some caramel sauce into the pumpkin mixture for an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
- Coconut Delight: Stir in some shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle it on top before baking for a tropical twist!
- Fruit Fusion: Add some dried cranberries or raisins into the bars for a pop of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the creamy pumpkin.
- Cheesecake Layer: For a richer dessert, mix some cream cheese into the pumpkin filling and reduce the eggs slightly. This will give you a delicious pumpkin cheesecake bar!
Feel free to get creative and try out these variations or even come up with your own. The possibilities are endless, and each tweak can lead to a delightful new dessert experience for your Thanksgiving table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured your first round of those heavenly *thanksgiving bars dessert*, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature first. Then, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, they taste just as good the next day!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a later treat, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label them so you know what deliciousness you have waiting for you!
When you’re ready to enjoy a bar from the fridge, you can eat them cold or let them sit out for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. And if you want to warm them up a bit, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and enhance those cozy flavors!
With these simple storage tips, your *thanksgiving bars dessert* will be just as delightful as when you first made them. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious *thanksgiving bars dessert* ready, let’s talk about how to elevate your Thanksgiving experience even further! Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will perfectly complement those pumpkin-infused bars:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the rich pumpkin flavor. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for that extra festive touch!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the bars for an indulgent twist. The sweet, gooey goodness pairs perfectly with the spices and pumpkin.
- Ice Cream: Serve your bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy texture will melt into the warm bars, creating a heavenly dessert experience!
- Fresh Fruit: Add some sliced apples or pears on the side for a refreshing crunch. Their natural sweetness complements the flavors of the bars beautifully.
- Nutty Topping: For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream. It adds that nice nutty flavor and texture that works so well with pumpkin.
- Hot Beverage: Pair your bars with a warm drink like spiced apple cider or a rich pumpkin spice latte. The cozy beverages enhance the fall flavors and make for a lovely dessert pairing.
- Cheese Plate: For something different, create a small cheese plate with creamy brie or sharp cheddar. The savory notes of the cheese balance out the sweetness of the bars, making for an exciting flavor contrast!
With these serving suggestions, your *thanksgiving bars dessert* will not only shine on the dessert table but also create a memorable feast that everyone will rave about. Enjoy sharing these treats with your loved ones this holiday season!
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Thanksgiving Bars Dessert: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert bar perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, spices, and eggs.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bars dessert
