Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars: A Cozy Fall Delight

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert to enjoy during the cooler months when the aroma of pumpkin and spices fills the air. With the warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin pie combined with a buttery, crumbly topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser at any fall gathering. They offer all the rich, spiced goodness of traditional pumpkin pie in a more portable, easy-to-eat form. Whether served at Thanksgiving, a fall bake sale, or simply as an afternoon treat, these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

What makes these bars extra special is the combination of a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a generous crumble made of brown sugar, butter, and flour. The result is a beautiful contrast of creamy and crunchy textures that make each bite irresistible. The layers come together perfectly, making these bars not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the warm orange of the pumpkin filling peeking through the golden-brown crumble topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Fall Flavor

With the familiar and comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, these bars bring all the cozy vibes of fall in every bite.

2. Easy to Make

Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, these bars are incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy bakers or those who prefer a simpler dessert.

3. Crispy and Creamy Combination

The crunchy crumble topping pairs beautifully with the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, giving you a delightful contrast of textures.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

These bars are perfect for any fall gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts. They also travel well, making them an excellent option for potlucks or bake sales.

5. Make Ahead and Store Well

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars can be made in advance and stored for several days, making them an easy dessert to prepare ahead of time and enjoy later.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Rolled oats
• Butter
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, mix in some chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.
• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk to make these bars dairy-free.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished bars for an added touch of sweetness and indulgence.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the milk and stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crumble layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the pumpkin filling.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set. You can test by inserting a toothpick into the center—the filling should not stick to the toothpick when done.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners.
• Don’t Overmix the Pumpkin Filling: Mix the pumpkin filling just until combined to avoid overworking the eggs, which can cause the filling to be less smooth.
• Chill the Crumble: If the crumble mixture feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before sprinkling it over the pumpkin filling. This helps keep the crumble topping from melting into the filling.
• Check for Doneness: When baking, keep an eye on the bars, especially towards the end of the baking time. The top should be golden and the filling should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center.

How to Serve

Serve these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars as a delightful fall dessert. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’re also delicious served with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for an extra cozy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the bars, place them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars without oats?

Yes, you can replace the oats with additional flour if you prefer a more traditional crumble topping, though the texture may change slightly.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, just make sure to drain any excess liquid so that the filling isn’t too watery.

3. Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can be added to the crumble mixture for an extra crunchy texture and flavor.

4. How can I tell when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden and the filling has set—when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these bars.

6. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, chocolate chips can be added to the pumpkin filling for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

9. Can I make these bars without a crumble topping?

If you prefer, you can omit the crumble topping and bake just the pumpkin filling for a more pie-like dessert.

10. How can I make these bars dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use a dairy-free milk such as almond milk or coconut milk.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars combine the best of both worlds: the rich, spiced pumpkin filling of a traditional pie and the buttery, crumbly topping of a crumble. They’re easy to make, perfect for fall, and sure to become a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether served at a holiday feast or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, these bars are a delicious and comforting way to celebrate the flavors of the season.

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