1-Getting ready to make these salted caramel pumpkin pie bars is straightforward and fun. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal later and prevents sticking. Melt the butter over medium-low heat until it’s golden brown for that nutty flavor, then let it cool for 10 minutes before mixing.

2-Next, combine the cooled brown butter with sugar and vanilla extract, then add flour and salt to form a dough. Press this dough evenly into the pan there’s no need to pre-bake it. For the filling, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vanilla bean paste, eggs, dry milk powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

3-Pour the filling over the crust and swirl in the salted caramel sauce using a knife or toothpick for that beautiful marbled effect. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center jiggles slightly, then cool to room temperature and chill for at least 4 hours. Finally, whip the heavy cream with maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and nutmeg to top your bars, adding extra caramel and nutmeg for garnish.

4-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating the oven and lining your pan as described. If you’re new to browning butter, it’s a simple technique that adds depth learn more with this guide on How to Brown Butter.

5-Second Step: Make and Bake Mix and press the crust, then prepare and add the filling. Swirl in the caramel for extra appeal.

6-Third Step: Cool and Serve After baking, chill the bars and whip the cream fresh. For similar baking ideas, check out funfetti greek yogurt muffins for another easy treat.