Pumpkin Magic Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful fall dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Pumpkin Magic Bars! These rich and gooey bars combine a buttery crust with layers of pumpkin, butterscotch, toffee, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk to create a treat that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, a Thanksgiving dinner, or just craving something sweet, this recipe will be a hit for everyone. Read on for the detailed recipe, tips, and tricks to make the best Pumpkin Magic Bars ever!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Magic Bars

To make these Pumpkin Magic Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Crust Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or pumpkin pie filling)
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Pumpkin Magic Bar Layers:

• 1 cup pumpkin pie filling
• 11 ounces butterscotch chips
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Pumpkin Pie Spice:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• A large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• 11×7 baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray
• Rubber spatula

How to Make the Crust

The crust is the foundation of your Pumpkin Magic Bars, providing a buttery base that complements the sweet and spiced layers. Follow these simple steps to prepare the crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11×7 baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray, and set the dish aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of fine sea salt to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and no dry patches remain.
4. Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and no longer looks raw. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Layering the Magic Bar Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the layers that make these bars truly magical!

1. Spread the Pumpkin: Carefully spread 1 cup of pumpkin pie filling evenly over the baked crust.
2. Layer the Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkle 11 ounces of butterscotch chips over the pumpkin layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Toffee Bits: Next, sprinkle 1 cup of toffee bits on top of the butterscotch chips.
4. Top with Pecans: Add 2 cups of chopped pecans, spreading them evenly to create a crunchy, nutty layer.
5. Drizzle the Condensed Milk: Finally, pour 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers, ensuring full coverage.

Baking Instructions

1. Bake Again: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the bars once they have cooled to room temperature. This will help set the layers and make them easier to cut.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Magic Bars

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing with the sugar.
• Don’t Overmix the Crust: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough crust.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean, even slices.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts, or add a handful of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Foil Lining: This step makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting. Don’t skip it!
• Not Cooling Properly: Cutting the bars while still warm can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool and refrigerate before slicing.
• Using Pumpkin Puree Instead of Filling: Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. Substituting puree can affect the flavor and texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store leftover Pumpkin Magic Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Magic Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They make an excellent addition to any dessert table or as a sweet treat after dinner.

FAQs About Pumpkin Magic Bars

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can be great alternatives to pecans in this recipe.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and cut them into squares when ready to serve.

Do I have to use butterscotch chips?
No, you can substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Magic Bars are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave something comforting and delicious, these bars are a must-try recipe. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious treat!

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