If you’re a pumpkin pie lover but want something a little easier to serve at gatherings, Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the answer! These bars combine the creamy, spiced filling of pumpkin pie with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping that’s as irresistible as it is simple to make. They’re the perfect treat for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving, or even just a cozy night in with a hot cup of tea.
Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of soft, spiced pumpkin filling, sandwiched between buttery, golden crumble. Every bite is the perfect mix of rich, pumpkin goodness and that crunchy, cookie-like base. Plus, you don’t need to fuss with pie crust—just mix, layer, and bake!
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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
- Easy to Make: No need to roll out pie dough! This recipe uses a simple crumble crust that doubles as the topping.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Classic Pumpkin Spice Flavor: All the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves—in a portable bar form.
- Delicious Texture: The smooth, creamy pumpkin filling is balanced by a buttery, crispy crumble, creating a perfect contrast in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible pumpkin pie crumble bars:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious pumpkin crumble bars you’ll ever try:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Crumble Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Crust:
Take about 2/3 of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the crumble topping. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, vanilla, eggs, and evaporated milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the pumpkin filling, making sure to cover it evenly.
6. Bake:
Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars. Serve them as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an airy, sweet touch that complements the rich pumpkin filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert perfect for fall.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling already contains sugar and spices.
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner, neater slices, let the bars chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so after cooling. This will help the filling set completely.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like a little extra crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Double the Recipe: These bars go fast! If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheat: For a warm treat, you can reheat the bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth, then use it in place of the canned pumpkin. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert for fall—combining the rich, creamy filling of pumpkin pie with the buttery crunch of a crumble. Easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just craving something sweet and spiced, these bars will hit the spot.
Looking for more fall dessert ideas? Check out these other recipes:
- Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Maple Pecan Blondies
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Be sure to share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me! I’d love to see how your bars turn out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy these delicious pumpkin pie crumble bars, and happy baking! 🎃
