Crunchy Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Recipe for Fall Fun

Sweet autumn whispers dance through your kitchen when these delectable caramel pumpkin butter bars emerge from the oven.

Layers of warm spices and rich, golden caramel create a symphony of seasonal comfort.

Buttery crumbs blend seamlessly with velvety pumpkin, promising an irresistible dessert that captures fall’s essence.

Each tender bite tells a story of cozy afternoons and harvest celebrations.

The delicate balance of sweet and spiced notes will transport you directly to a sunlit porch surrounded by changing leaves.

Creamy and indulgent, these bars offer a perfect treat for anyone seeking a slice of autumnal bliss.

Dive into this delightful recipe and let the magic of the season unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 343 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumbly texture for the bar base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden, crisp edges.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Contributes to smooth, delicate crumb and enhanced softness.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps bind ingredients together.

• Pure Pumpkin: Brings vibrant autumn flavor and creamy, smooth consistency.
• Caramel Sauce: Creates luxurious, sweet undertone with deep golden complexity.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to baking dish.

Kitchen Essentials for Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating perfectly sized bars.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy release of bars from the pan.
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Key for creaming butter and sugars smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for preparing pumpkin caramel sauce.
• Spatula: Helps spread caramel sauce evenly.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate portioning of spices.

How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Pumpkin Caramel Preparation

Blend smooth caramel with fresh pumpkin puree and warm spices to create a luscious sauce that will infuse rich autumn flavors into the dessert.

• Buttery Base

Mix softened butter with sweet sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a delicate foundation for the bars.

• Flour Integration

Gently incorporate flour into the sugar mixture, transforming the blend into a delightful crumbly texture that will form the bar’s foundation.

• First Baking Session

Press half the dough into a baking pan and bake until the crust turns a gentle golden color, developing a crisp and sturdy base for the caramel layer.

• Caramel Cascade

Spread the pumpkin caramel sauce evenly across the warm crust, allowing the flavors to meld and create a tantalizing middle layer.

• Crumbly Topping

Scatter the remaining dough across the caramel surface, creating a rustic and inviting appearance for the dessert.

• Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the top achieves a beautiful golden hue, signaling the bars are ready to be enjoyed.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the bars to cool completely, then slice into perfect squares that showcase the layers of autumn-inspired deliciousness.

Tips for Delicious Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

• Customize your pumpkin pie spice blend by mixing ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a personalized flavor profile.
• Prepare the pumpkin caramel sauce and dough base up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
• For extra crunch, fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumbly dough before sprinkling over the caramel layer.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to a week.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars or dust with powdered sugar for a decadent finishing touch that elevates the dessert's presentation.

Serve Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars with Style

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange the caramel pumpkin butter bars alongside warm apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and a dollop of whipped cream for a festive fall presentation.
• Rustic Brunch Companion: Serve these bars with a steaming cappuccoon, fresh berries, and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant morning treat.
• Seasonal Party Centerpiece: Create a dessert board featuring the bars, candied pecans, caramel drizzle, and small espresso shots to elevate your gathering's sweet offerings.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or potluck contributions.

Storing Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars the Right Way

• Tasty Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars Fresh
• Cooling Corner: Allow bars to reach room temperature completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their delightful texture.
• Refrigerator Refuge: Store bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. These delectable treats will stay fresh for 4-5 days when chilled.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll remain delicious for up to 3 weeks when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Counter Comfort: If enjoying within 1-2 days, keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature. Ensure the spot is cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain their scrumptious quality.

Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Butter Bars

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Gourmet caramel pumpkin butter bars combine autumn’s richest flavors in a dessert that celebrates seasonal warmth. Creamy pumpkin layers nestled between buttery crumble promise delightful comfort with each sweet, spiced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (452 g / 4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 12 oz (340 g) caramel sauce
• ½ cup (123 g) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat: Set oven to 325°F and lightly spray a rectangular baking dish with nonstick coating.
2. Create Base Mixture: Whip butter with granulated and powdered sugars until fluffy and pale, then gradually fold in flour until a crumbly texture develops.
3. Initial Crust Formation: Press half the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake until golden, approximately 25 minutes.
4. Prepare Pumpkin Caramel Layer: While crust bakes, blend caramel sauce, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice into a smooth, rich mixture.
5. Layer and Assemble: After the initial crust cools slightly, spread the pumpkin-caramel mixture uniformly across the surface, then sprinkle remaining crumbly dough on top for a rustic finish.
6. Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the surface achieves a deep golden-brown color.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow bars to cool completely in the baking dish, then slice into neat square portions for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and optimal texture.
• Crumbly Dough Technique: Press dough gently but firmly to create a stable base that holds together without being too compact.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust pumpkin pie spice according to personal taste preferences for a more subtle or robust flavor profile.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely to set properly, preventing crumbling and ensuring clean, neat slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 343
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg