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–+ servings
Thanksgiving Pie Bars

Thanksgiving Pie Bars That Everyone Will Love and Devour

These Thanksgiving Pie Bars combine creamy pumpkin cheesecake, tart cranberries, and sweet apples into one delightful holiday dessert that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 can cooking spray Prevents sticking; butter or oil can be used if needed.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Adds richness; margarine works as a substitute.
  • 4.5 cups gingersnap cookies The base crust; digestive biscuits can be used instead.
  • 2 tbsp packed dark brown sugar Sweetens with molasses flavor; light brown sugar is a great alternative.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Enhances flavor; sea salt is a suitable substitute.
For the Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese Creates a rich, creamy layer; dairy-free options include tofu.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cheesecake; coconut sugar can be an alternative.
  • 2 large eggs Binds the filling together; flax eggs are a good vegan substitute.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds flavor depth; can replace with maple extract.
  • 1 can pumpkin purée Main flavor component; fresh pumpkin can also work.
For the Fruit Layer
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples Provides tartness; substitute with any firm apple variety.
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries Adds tartness; consider using dried cranberries instead.
  • 1 medium lemon Zest and juice brighten flavor; lime juice is a substitute.
For the Crumble Topping
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour Used in both filling and crumble; gluten-free flour is safe.
  • ½ cup chopped pecans Offers texture; walnuts can also be a replacement.
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Key flavoring agent; apple pie spice can be substituted.
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg Adds distinct flavor; this ingredient is optional.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • blender or mixing bowl
  • Mixing bowls
  • pastry cutter
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the crust: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Melt the butter and combine it with the cookie crumbs, dark brown sugar, and salt. Press into the dish.
  2. Chill the crust: Place the dish in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set the crust.
  3. Make the filling: Blend cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until creamy, then add pumpkin purée and stir.
  4. Prepare the fruit layer: Combine chopped apples with lemon zest, juice, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well-coated.
  5. Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (163°C). Let the cheesecake layer come to room temperature.
  6. Make the crumble: Combine chopped pecans, flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
  7. Assemble: Pour the fruit mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread the crumble on top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for approximately 35-70 minutes until the crumble is browned and filling is set.
  9. Cool down: Let the dish cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Freeze to cut: Freeze the bars for about an hour before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For clean cuts, ensure the layers are adequately frozen before slicing and always watch the fruit for excess juices to maintain structure.

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