Hello, pumpkin lovers! 🍂 As the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. They’re the perfect combination of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a crunchy oat topping. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to share at your next gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that captures the essence of fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these bars up in no time.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack, these bars fit any occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and pumpkin, these bars provide a wholesome treat without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well in the fridge, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The ideal size for even baking and easy slicing of your bars.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in your filling.
- Spatula: Helps in spreading the crumble mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl:
* Combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
* Pour in the melted butter and stir until well-mixed. This will form your crumble mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish. Ensure it’s evenly spread to form a solid base layer.
Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a separate bowl:
* Whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Add Pumpkin Filling
Spread the pumpkin filling over the crumble base evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble
Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the pumpkin filling. If desired, add chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares and serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Serving these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars can enhance their flavor and appeal. Here are a few delightful ways to present this fall dessert.
With Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Paired with Ice Cream
- Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a deliciously decadent treat that complements the pumpkin spices perfectly.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the bars elevates their sweetness and adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Garnished with Nuts
- Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and texture, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor profile.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these bars alongside a cup of coffee or spiced tea. The warm beverages bring out the flavors of the dessert, creating a cozy experience.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
To ensure your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh puree offers a richer flavor than canned options, enhancing the overall taste of your bars.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the crumble mixture for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps create a firmer base.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to increase or decrease the pumpkin pie spice according to your preference for warmth and spice intensity.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; bars are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your bars to cool completely makes slicing easier and improves texture.
- Store Properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars pair well with various side dishes, enhancing your fall dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings in another layer of fruitiness and warmth, making it perfect for fall gatherings.
- Chai Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices add a crunchy contrast that balances nicely with soft pumpkin bars.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash offers a savory side that complements the sweetness of pumpkin desserts wonderfully.
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts roasted in maple syrup creates an intriguing flavor contrast.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can cut through the richness of the bars, adding brightness to each bite.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses paired with fruit can offer a sophisticated touch alongside your pumpkin dessert, providing both savory and sweet options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Not preheating your oven to the right temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at 350°F (175°C) before you start.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using improper measurements can affect the texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars while they’re still warm can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars instead of a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until combined to maintain that perfect balance.
Ignoring Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong substitutes can alter flavors negatively. Stick to recommended substitutes like using chicken or turkey instead of pork products.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making these delicious Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used! Just make sure it’s pureed smoothly before mixing it into your batter.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling has set. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer shelf life as described earlier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored properly. They actually taste even better after sitting overnight!
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are an easy fall dessert recipe that everyone will love. Their sweet, spiced pumpkin filling paired with a crunchy crumble topping makes them irresistible. You can customize this recipe with different nuts or spices based on your preference. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. These easy-to-make dessert bars combine creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy oat topping, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. With a blend of warm spices and wholesome ingredients, these bars are not just delicious; they also offer a nutritious twist to your seasonal dessert repertoire. Prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a sweet snack that will impress friends and family alike.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, remaining brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the pumpkin filling over the crust evenly and top with remaining crumble mixture. Add chopped walnuts on top if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and set. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (65g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chocolate chips or experimenting with different nuts. Ensure you allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
