Pumpkin Pie Bars

Shortbread Crust - Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl add the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter for the shortbread crust. Mix the ingredients together with a fork or spatula until they are well combined. The mixture should look slightly crumbly.

Shortbread Crust - Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the dish in an even layer.

Shortbread Crust - Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes or just until the crust is lightly golden.

Filling - While the crust is baking, begin to make the filling. In another large bowl add the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and beaten eggs.

Filling - Blend with a hand mixer or whisk the pie filling ingredients together until smooth.

Baking - When the crust is finished baking, pour the pumpkin pie filling into the baking dish on top of the crust, then transfer it back to the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center jiggles just slightly when you shake the baking dish. When the bars are done baking, the top of the filling will be slightly puffed up. But don't worry, it will settle back down as it cools.

Cooling - Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the pie bars to cool for about 30 minutes, then transfer the dish to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 2 hours.

Serving - Once the pumpkin pie bars are completely chilled, remove them from the baking dish and slice into 9 bars. Top with some fresh whipped cream (optional) and enjoy!