Description
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful dessert with these Thanksgiving Leftovers Pie Bars. This easy recipe combines buttery crust with your favorite leftover pie fillings swirled together into a luscious, sliceable bar. Perfect for using up pumpkin, pecan, apple, or any other leftover pies, these bars make a festive treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling
- ½–¾ cup each of leftover pie fillings (pumpkin, pecan, apple)
- 1 egg (optional, to help bind softer fillings)
For Topping (Optional)
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan forming a solid base. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, lightly mix each of your chosen leftover pie fillings separately. If the fillings are particularly soft or runny, add the optional egg to help bind them and provide structure to the bars.
- Assemble and Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the various pie fillings over the baked crust. Using a knife, gently swirl the fillings together on top of the crust to create an attractive marbled effect without fully mixing them.
- Bake the Pie Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the filling sets. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Add Topping (Optional): Once cooled, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top for an added touch of flavor and sparkle if desired.
Notes
- Use a variety of pie fillings for a colorful and flavorful bar, such as pumpkin, pecan, and apple.
- The egg is optional and mainly used if the fillings are soft to help them hold together better.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before slicing for clean, neat pieces.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars are a fantastic way to use up leftover pies and reduce food waste after Thanksgiving.
