Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Hello, pumpkin lovers! 🍂 If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place. These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe are a delightful treat that combines creamy pumpkin filling with a sweet and crunchy oat topping. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a sweet addition to your family gatherings. I promise, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on their warm spices and comforting flavors!

What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to whip up. Plus, they can easily be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the season with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these bars come together quickly without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, spiced flavor of these bars. They’re sure to become a family favorite!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for later; they taste great even after a few days!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates an irresistible autumn flavor that warms your heart.
• Versatile Topping Options: Add nuts or chocolate chips if you want to mix things up; the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars! You probably have many of these items in your pantry already, making it easier than ever to bake up a delicious fall treat.

For the Crumble Base

• 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize the bars to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Swap out the nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans or leave them out altogether for nut-free bars.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to give your bars a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well mixed. This mixture will serve as both your base and crumble topping.

Step 3: Form the Base Layer

Take about two-thirds of your crumble mixture and press it into the prepared baking dish. This forms a sturdy base layer that holds everything together. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for consistent baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth. This filling is where all that wonderful pumpkin flavor comes from—it should be creamy and well-blended.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Pour the pumpkin mixture over your crumble base in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has that delicious filling.

Step 6: Finish with Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the pumpkin filling. If you like some extra crunch or flavor, feel free to add chopped walnuts on top!

Step 7: Bake

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly!

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Once baked, allow your bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. This patience will pay off when you enjoy them later—trust me!

There you have it—your very own batch of Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars! Enjoy every bite this fall season!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Making these delicious bars can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements is key to achieving the right texture and flavor. Too much flour or sugar can affect the consistency of your bars.

• Let the Butter Cool Slightly: Allowing melted butter to cool for a few minutes before mixing it with dry ingredients helps prevent cooking the eggs when combined, resulting in a smooth filling.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you have access to fresh pumpkin, roasting and pureeing it yourself can enhance the flavor of your bars. Canned pumpkin works well too, but fresh gives an extra touch of seasonal goodness.

• Don’t Overmix the Filling: When whisking together your pumpkin filling, mix until just combined. Overmixing can introduce air bubbles that might cause the filling to puff up during baking.

• Chill Before Cutting: After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Chilling them in the fridge for an hour before slicing will help achieve clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are not only delightful on their own but can also be dressed up for an impressive presentation at any gathering. Here are some ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of this dairy-free whipped cream adds a lovely touch of sweetness and creaminess that complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds an extra hint of warmth and sweetness that enhances the fall vibes.

Side Dishes

• Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider makes for a cozy pairing that brings out the autumnal flavors in your dessert.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic side offers a creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling, making each bite even more enjoyable.

• Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea harmonize perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting beverage option alongside your dessert.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each bar takes it to another level of indulgence—perfect for those with a sweet tooth!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends with your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. Happy baking! 🍰

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. You can easily make them ahead of time and have a delightful dessert ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place the bars in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easier serving.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these tasty Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars!

Can I use pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree for these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie mix for pumpkin puree. However, reduce the added sugars and spices since pumpkin pie mix already contains these ingredients.

How do I make these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I add other toppings to my Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or additional nuts to customize your bars to your taste.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars as much as I do! They embody the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re gathering around the table or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these bars will surely bring warmth to your day. Happy baking!