Maryland Grilled Pumpkin Pie Bars

Introduction

These delicious Maryland Grilled Pumpkin Pie Bars bring together the rich flavors of classic pumpkin pie with a buttery shortbread crust, all elevated by a subtle smokiness from the Arteflame grill. By grilling these bars on the flat top cooktop, we infuse them with a depth of flavor you simply can't achieve in an oven. Enjoy a perfect balance of creamy pumpkin and crisp crust, all caramelized to perfection on the griddle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to get hot.

Step 2: Prepare the shortbread crust

1. In a bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt until it forms a dough.
2. Press the dough into a flat rectangular shape.
3. Place the dough on the Arteflame griddle, closer to the center for a higher heat to crisp the crust.
4. Cook until the edges are golden brown and set aside.

Step 3: Make the pumpkin filling

1. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and evaporated milk until smooth.

Step 4: Grill the pumpkin pie bars

1. Pour the filling onto the pre-cooked shortbread crust.
2. Place it back on the Arteflame cooktop, closer to the outer ring where the heat is lower.
3. Grill until the filling is set and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Cool and serve

1. Let the bars cool completely on the griddle before slicing.
2. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Keep the crust closer to the center of the cooktop for a good golden crisp.
• Let the bars cool before cutting to get clean slices.

Variations

1. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for added richness.
2. Maple Pecan: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and a touch of maple syrup.
3. Spiced Orange: Add orange zest to the filling for a fresh citrus twist.
4. Coconut Pumpkin: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical feel.
5. Bourbon Vanilla: Add a splash of bourbon for a deep, warm complexity.

Best pairings

• Hot apple cider
• Vanilla ice cream
• Roasted cinnamon pecans

Conclusion

Grilled Pumpkin Pie Bars on the Arteflame grill bring a unique smoky richness that enhances this classic dessert. Elevate your traditional pumpkin pie with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed recipe right on the griddle. Perfect for fall gatherings and Maryland-inspired feasts.