Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a simple and delicious fall dessert that combines the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat, they require minimal effort for maximum reward. If you enjoy pumpkin desserts, you might also like these Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting for another seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars combine warm autumn spices with a buttery crumble topping and creamy pumpkin filling for the perfect fall dessert.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are about 20% faster to make than traditional pumpkin pie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This ensures your Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars release cleanly after baking.

Step 2 — Make the Crust and Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and spices. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This same mixture will serve as both the crust and the crumble topping.

Step 3 — Press In the Crust

Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Using the bottom of a measuring cup helps compact it neatly.

Step 4 — Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice until completely smooth and well-combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.

Step 5 — Assemble the Bars

Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the entire surface. For extra texture, you can gently press some of the topping clumps between your fingers as you sprinkle.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken but not appear liquid. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for the filling to set properly, which makes for clean slices.

Step 8 — Chill and Slice

For the neatest bars, cover and refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan before slicing into squares with a sharp knife.

Step 9 — Serve and Store

Serve your Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	13g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	210mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple swaps to customize them for different dietary needs without losing the cozy pumpkin flavor.

• Protein Powder — Replace ¼ cup of flour with vanilla or unflavored protein powder for a protein boost that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Almond Flour — Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free crust and crumble with a nutty taste.
• Coconut Sugar — Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar to add a caramel-like depth and a lower glycemic index.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use plant-based butter or coconut oil to make the crumble topping dairy-free while keeping it rich and crumbly.
• Greek Yogurt — Substitute some of the butter or oil with Greek yogurt in the crust for added protein and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Reduced-Sodium Spices — Make your own pumpkin pie spice blend to control sodium, enhancing flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Oat Flour — Use gluten-free oat flour for the base to keep the bars gluten-free and add a wholesome, hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Top warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea during autumn gatherings
• Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables or Halloween parties
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence
• Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for simple elegance
• Great for potlucks and bake sales – they transport easily and serve neatly
• Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized party treats

These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are versatile enough for casual snacking yet elegant enough for holiday entertaining. The portable nature of bar desserts makes them ideal for any fall occasion where you want pumpkin flavor in a convenient, shareable form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. Fix: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree to control sweetness and spice levels for better flavor.
• Mistake: Not pressing the crust firmly enough into the pan. Fix: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable base that won’t crumble when sliced.
• Mistake: Overmixing the pumpkin filling, which can incorporate too much air. Fix: Mix the filling just until ingredients are combined to prevent a puffy, cracked texture.
• Mistake: Using cold butter for the crumble topping. Fix: Use softened butter to create clumps that bake into a perfect, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Underbaking the bars, leading to a soggy middle. Fix: Bake until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly; it will firm up as it cools.
• Mistake: Cutting the bars before they are completely cool. Fix: Allow the Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars to cool fully for clean, neat slices.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper liner in the baking pan. Fix: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
• Mistake: Not tasting the pumpkin filling before baking. Fix: Taste and adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your preference.
• Mistake: Using a glass pan without adjusting the bake time. Fix: If using glass, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F as glass retains more heat than metal.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to a food-safe internal temperature of 165°F.

For best texture, allow refrigerated bars to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are the perfect simple fall dessert. For more pumpkin treats, try our Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more easy ideas!

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FAQs

Can I make these Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. This makes the Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars a convenient dessert option.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this recipe?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree, but ensure it is thick and well-drained to match the consistency of canned. Excess moisture can make the filling for your Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars too soft.

How do I know when the crumble bars are fully baked?

The edges should be golden brown and the center set without jiggling when gently shaken. Let them cool completely before slicing to allow the layers to firm up, ensuring perfect Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars.