Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert
Fall brings with it a craving for cozy flavors, and these Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars combine the best of two autumn classics: rich caramel and warm spiced pumpkin. The buttery shortbread crust and crumbly topping make these bars irresistible, while the creamy pumpkin caramel layer adds a decadent twist.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, preparing a holiday dessert, or just in the mood for a seasonal treat, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
Pumpkin Caramel Sauce:
- 12 ounces caramel sauce
- ½ cup (123 g) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Butter Bars:
- 2 cups (4 sticks / 452 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Caramel Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the caramel sauce, pure pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to combine, then set the mixture aside.
2. Make the Butter Bars: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add the Flour: Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, allowing it to blend in before adding the next. The dough will become crumbly, which is exactly what you’re aiming for.
4. Form the Crust: Press half of the crumbly dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is light golden brown.
5. Layer the Pumpkin Caramel: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the crust to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, pour the prepared pumpkin caramel sauce over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining dough crumbles over the top of the caramel-pumpkin layer. Try to cover as much of the filling as possible without pressing it down.
7. Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. The bars will smell divine as they bake!
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help the caramel layer set and make cutting easier. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars:
- Rich and Buttery: The shortbread base and crumbly topping provide a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the soft caramel-pumpkin center.
- Warm Fall Flavors: The pumpkin pie spice and pure pumpkin give these bars a delicious seasonal flavor that screams autumn in every bite.
- Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time, making them perfect for busy bakers.
Serving Suggestions:
These Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars are a perfect addition to any fall dessert table. Serve them as-is for a sweet treat or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. They’re also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day.
Recipe Notes:
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, gently reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Customizations: You can switch up the caramel flavor by using salted caramel for a slightly savory twist, or sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per Serving: 390 kcal
These Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars are the perfect blend of fall flavors and buttery goodness. With every bite, you’ll experience the cozy warmth of pumpkin and caramel, wrapped in a rich and tender shortbread crust. Make them for your next gathering or simply indulge at home—they’re sure to be a hit! If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking!
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Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
The combination of buttery crust and rich, creamy caramel pumpkin filling makes these Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars a must-have fall treat. With a perfectly golden, crumbly topping and warm hints of pumpkin pie spice, these bars are a delightful indulgence. The smooth pumpkin caramel filling paired with the buttery shortbread base creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Caramel Sauce:
12 ounces caramel sauce
½ cup (123 g) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Butter Bars:
2 cups (4 sticks / 452 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
Pumpkin Caramel Sauce:
In a bowl, combine caramel sauce, pure pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well and set aside.
Butter Bars:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. The dough will become crumbly as it mixes.
Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is light golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow the crust to cool for about 10 minutes.
Pour the pumpkin caramel sauce over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough over the top of the caramel-pumpkin layer.
Bake for an additional 25 minutes until the topping is golden.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390