Short Description
Pumpkin Magic Bars are a delightful fall-inspired treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with layers of sweet, gooey goodness. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy pumpkin layer, and a topping of chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, these bars are a must-have for autumn gatherings and dessert tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe a breeze.
- Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin and warm spices create a cozy, seasonal treat.
- Gooey and Delicious: A combination of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and coconut gives these bars an irresistible texture.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences.
- Great for Sharing: These bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet family treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Pumpkin puree
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of the baking dish to form an even layer.
- Mix Pumpkin Layer: In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-16 bars, depending on the cut size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- White Chocolate Twist: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
- Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.
FAQs
How do I make the crust firmer?
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish and bake it for 5 minutes before adding the pumpkin layer.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to puree it well and remove excess moisture for the right consistency.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make them gluten-free.
What can I substitute for coconut?
You can replace shredded coconut with chopped nuts or leave it out completely.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars after baking?
Yes, since they contain pumpkin and sweetened condensed milk, refrigeration is recommended.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well as a substitute for pecans.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts.
Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes! Sprinkle a streusel topping before baking for an extra crunch.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Magic Bars are a decadent and easy-to-make fall treat that will become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these bars deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try them today and indulge in the magic of pumpkin season!
PrintPumpkin Magic Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Magic Bars are a fall twist on the classic 7-layer bars! They feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a spiced pumpkin layer, and gooey caramelized layers of chocolate chips, pecans, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Pumpkin Layer:
-
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or butterscotch chips)
-
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
-
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
-
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
Make the Crust – In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Prepare Pumpkin Layer – In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Spread evenly over the graham cracker crust.
-
Add Toppings – Sprinkle the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over the pumpkin layer.
-
Drizzle & Bake – Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
-
Cool & Serve – Let bars cool completely before slicing. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
-
Crust Alternative: Swap graham crackers for crushed gingersnap cookies for extra spice!
-
Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans or replace them with more chocolate or coconut.
-
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *