Easy Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars for Thanksgiving

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If you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving dessert that’s just as cozy as pumpkin pie but way more simple to serve, these Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars are the answer! With a buttery shortbread crust and creamy pumpkin filling made with sweetened condensed milk, this recipe is the perfect balance of rich, spiced flavor and soft texture. Serve them at holiday parties, family gatherings, or just as a fun make-ahead dessert for fall.

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These pumpkin pie bars are made with a homemade shortbread crust that pairs beautifully with the smooth pumpkin pie filling. They’re an easy, slice-and-serve gluten free dessert that skips the hassle of rolling pie dough while keeping all the classic flavors you love for Thanksgiving.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars

This recipe takes the warm, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie and turns it into a bar dessert that’s easy to bake, cut, and share. The gluten free shortbread crust has just the right amount of buttery sweetness, and the pumpkin layer is soft, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

Whether you need a simple holiday treat for a crowd or want a dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort, these pumpkin pie bars are a must for your Thanksgiving table. Here is what you need to make your own gluten free dessert for Thanksgiving this year:

• Gluten free flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Pumpkin puree
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Pumpkin pie spice

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars

The base of these pie bars starts with a classic sugar cookie dough made with gluten free flour. Cream cheese is added along with butter, sugar, and vanilla for a soft, rich texture that holds up perfectly in a square baking pan.

Start by whisking together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Then, set the dry ingredients aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Make sure to start with room temperature cream cheese and butter for easy mixing!

Once the butter mixture is smooth smooth, add the vanilla and egg to the bowl and beat until just combined.

After that, gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a thick dough forms. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.

Press the chilled dough into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper and greased with nonstick cooking spray. Bake the crust at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until it is just starting to turn golden brown. Pre-baking ensures the crust doesn’t get soggy once the filling is added.

While the crust is baking, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set.

After removing the pan from the oven, let the bars cool completely to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. This step helps the bars firm up and cut cleanly.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars Tips and Tricks

Making these pumpkin pie bars is quick and easy. But a few baking tips will make sure they turn out perfectly every time. Try these tips and tricks as you’re baking your gluten free pumpkin dessert!

• Don’t forget to chill the dough: Waiting for the dough to chill might be a pain, but don’t skip this step! It prevents the crust from becoming too doughy and helps the pie bars bake evenly.
• Use parchment paper in your pan: While this added step may seem unimportant, it’s crucial to getting the pie bars out of the pan in one piece! Adding a piece of parchment paper that overhangs the edges of the pan will make it super simple to lift the pie bars out of the pan after they’re cool.
• Don’t over bake: The pumpkin filling should look set in the middle but still slightly jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

How do you store pumpkin pie bars?

Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy chilled.

Variations & Decorating Ideas

One of the best things about these gluten free pumpkin pie cookies is how easy they are to customize. With a few simple swaps or add-ins, you can create different flavors and presentations to suit any occasion.

• Whipped cream topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream before serving to give them the full pumpkin pie look.
• Make your own pumpkin pie spice: Swap pumpkin pie spice for a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Try a different type of crust: Try a graham cracker crust (gluten free if needed) instead of the shortbread crust for faster preparation.
• Decorate the tops: Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
• Bake with regular flour: If you don’t need these to be gluten free, you can use all-purpose flour instead.
• Add some crunch: Top your pie bars with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or candied nuts for extra crunch.
• Serve with ice cream: Give your guests the classic combination of ice cream and pie by topping your pie bars with a scoop of ice cream when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars need chilling time, so they’re perfect to prepare the night before serving. For longer storage, your bars can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How should I store them?
Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
For the best creamy texture, sweetened condensed milk works best. If needed, you can try evaporated milk with added sugar, but the flavor and consistency will be slightly different.

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars are a simple way to bring all the flavors of pumpkin spice season into one bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy with your morning coffee, these little dessert bars are the perfect fall treat.

More Gluten Free Pumpkin Recipes:

Gluten Free Pumpkin Trifle Thanksgiving Dessert

Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Crustless Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Protein Bars