Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

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As the air gets cooler and the days grow shorter, fall desserts take center stage, and what better way to celebrate the season than with Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars? This delightful dessert combines the warmth of traditional pumpkin pie with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or bringing something special to a fall gathering, these bars are sure to impress.

Why Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the Ultimate Fall Dessert

Pumpkin pie is a fall staple, but sometimes you want something a little different, right? Enter the Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars—a perfect twist on the classic pie. The buttery crust and topping, combined with a creamy pumpkin filling, make each bite a delicious experience. These bars are much easier to make than a traditional pie but pack the same comforting flavors. Plus, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd!

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Using the right ingredients is key to making these bars absolutely irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Crust and Crumble:

Flour: The base of the crust and crumble.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds texture and a slight chew to the crumble.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the crust and adds a molasses-like richness.

Baking Soda and Salt: Helps with texture and flavor balance.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides that quintessential fall spice flavor.
Melted Butter: Gives the crust and crumble its rich, buttery flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in the crust and crumble.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, rich in fiber and vitamins.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the spices and enhances the pumpkin flavor.

Egg: Helps set the pumpkin filling.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Cloves: The spice quartet that gives pumpkin pie its signature flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Complements the spices beautifully.

Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the pumpkin filling.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars (Step-by-Step)

Making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is much easier than you’d think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these fall treats:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Prepare the Crust and Crumble:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust. Set aside the rest for the crumble topping.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk (or heavy cream). Mix until smooth and well-combined.

4. Assemble the Bars:

Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the pumpkin layer.

5. Bake the Bars:

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the pumpkin filling has set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

1. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling:

It’s important to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as the pie filling contains added sugars and spices that may alter the texture and taste of the bars.

2. Let the Bars Cool Completely:

After baking, give the bars time to cool fully. This helps the filling set properly and makes slicing easier.

3. Add Nuts for Extra Crunch:

If you want to take your bars to the next level, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture. The nutty crunch pairs perfectly with the soft pumpkin filling.

4. Adjust the Spices to Your Liking:

While the recipe calls for cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste. If you’re a cinnamon lover, add a little more. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cloves.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Not only do Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars taste great, but they also come with some nutritional perks. Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, supporting your immune system and vision. The oats add fiber, while the moderate use of sugar and butter keeps it indulgent but not over the top.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

Nutrition Details:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210

Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 125mg

Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 200%

Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Can I freeze Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?

Yes! Once the bars have completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.

How do I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I use a different spice mix?

Absolutely! You can swap the spices with a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix if you have it on hand. Just make sure to taste the filling and adjust accordingly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not in the original recipe. However, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version of these bars.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk or heavy cream to make it dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a must-try recipe for fall. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for pumpkin lovers everywhere. Whether you serve them at a fall party or enjoy them with a warm drink on a chilly afternoon, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, gather your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret it!

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