Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the kind of treat you’ll return to every fall – or honestly, anytime you crave cozy, pumpkin-spiced comfort. Imagine all the creamy, spiced goodness of classic pumpkin pie, layered between a buttery oat crumble that brings nutty crunch in every bite. You get the nostalgic flavors you love, but in an easy-to-share handheld bar, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply savoring with a hot mug of coffee on a crisp afternoon. These bars never last long in my kitchen, and once you try them, you’ll understand why!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are simple and likely already in your pantry, but each plays a unique role in creating the unforgettable flavor and texture of this dessert. From the creamy pumpkin filling to the golden oat crumble, every element comes together to create a bar that tastes like pure autumn.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the crumble and the base, giving structure to each luscious layer.
• Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats add hearty texture and that signature chewy bite to your crumble bars.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter binds the crumble, making it rich and deeply flavorful.
• Brown sugar, packed: Adds a caramel-like note to the crumble, and boosts the pie filling’s warmth.
• Baking soda: Helps keep the crust just the right level of tender and crumbly.
• Salt: A little salt in the mix makes all the flavors pop and keeps the sweetness in balance.
• Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin forms the lush, creamy heart of each bar—make sure you use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough, without overpowering the spices.
• Brown sugar (again): Adds extra depth and richness to the pumpkin layer.
• Eggs: Eggs set the pumpkin filling and give it that gorgeous, custardy texture.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The classic blend that brings all the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove magic.
• Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out the flavors and adds aromatic warmth.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch on top—highly recommended if you love texture!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easiest removal. This simple prep step ensures your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars will release cleanly and beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crumble

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed—no pockets of dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it transforms the mixture into rich, crumbly clusters; these will become your base and topping.

Step 3: Form the Crumble Base

Divide your crumble mixture in half. Press one half firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a strong, even crust. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup can help you get a perfectly compacted layer, ensuring the bars hold together when sliced.

Step 4: Whisk the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, the remaining brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth. The filling should look silky, thick, and flecked with warm spice. This is what gives Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars their classic pie flavor!

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the pumpkin filling over the pressed crumble base, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture generously over the top. If you’re using walnuts, scatter them on now for extra crunch and flavor—don’t be shy!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. When the top is golden brown and the pumpkin layer is set, your bars are done. The hardest part is letting them cool completely in the pan—but patience rewards you with perfect slices!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Garnishes

Give your bars a finishing touch with easy extras: a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or a quick drizzle of maple syrup. For a simple but festive feel, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few more chopped nuts.

Side Dishes

Serve Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of warm caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert experience. If you’re hosting brunch, try them alongside a fruit salad or mug of spiced chai for an unbeatable fall feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, cut the bars small and pile them onto a rustic wooden board for a dessert buffet, or serve on pretty tiered cake stands. Wrap individual bars in parchment or tie them up with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift—these bars travel perfectly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars covered tightly in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist, flavorful, and delicious for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday events.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven coziness, warm the bars up before serving. Simply reheat a slice in the microwave for 10–20 seconds, or pop them on a baking sheet in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. That little bit of warmth really amplifies the spices and makes the center even creamier.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie spice?

Absolutely! Store-bought pumpkin pie spice is a convenient, flavor-packed shortcut. If you don’t have it, you can easily make your own by blending cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to taste.

Do Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the moist pumpkin and egg filling, it’s best to store these bars in the refrigerator. This keeps both the texture and taste fresh for days.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars cool completely—this is the secret! A sharp knife rinsed with hot water between cuts will help you get clean, bakery-worthy edges every time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The results will still be deliciously satisfying.

Can I skip the walnuts?

Of course. Walnuts are entirely optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version. If you’d like texture but not nuts, try adding pepitas or a sprinkle of toasted coconut instead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures everything you love about pumpkin pie, but is easier to share and even more irresistible, give these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars a try. Each bite brims with cozy autumn flavors and buttery crunch—you’ll want to make them over and over again!

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