Get ready to delight your taste buds with a heavenly treat that perfectly marries the warm flavors of fall with a whimsical twist! Our Marshmallow Meringue Topped Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of autumn in every bite. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious blend of pumpkin and apple butter, all crowned with a fluffy marshmallow meringue that will have your guests swooning. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create this show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup sugar for meringue
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add 1/2 cup of softened butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of apple butter, and 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth. Add in the two large eggs, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour the pumpkin and apple butter mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the filling is baking, prepare the marshmallow meringue. In a medium bowl, combine 2 egg whites and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add in 1/4 cup of sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of marshmallow fluff into the beaten egg whites until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
- Once the pumpkin filling is done baking, remove it from the oven and spread the marshmallow meringue evenly over the top. Use a spatula to create peaks and swirls for a decorative finish.
- Return the pie bars to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned and set.
- Remove the pie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into 12 squares.
- Serve the Marshmallow Meringue Topped Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie Bars at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the meringue topping.
- Perfect Peaks: When whipping the egg whites for the meringue, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding the marshmallow fluff into the meringue, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the airy texture you want for a light and fluffy topping.
- Watch the Browning: Keep an eye on the meringue while it bakes; it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of minutes. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve Chilled: These bars are delicious at room temperature, but chilling them for a couple of hours enhances the flavors and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider topping your bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
