Description

Ah, the delightful Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars! These heavenly bars are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, capturing the warm and comforting flavors of fall in every bite. Imagine a rich, spiced pumpkin filling nestled between a buttery, crumbly crust and a crispy topping that adds the perfect crunch. These bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings, autumn leaves falling, and the aroma of spices wafting through the air.

What makes these bars special is their versatility; they can be served as a dessert at Thanksgiving, a sweet treat for a cozy afternoon coffee break, or even as a delightful addition to a potluck. The ease of preparation means you can whip them up in no time, whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and discover the joy of making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• For the filling:
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the crumble topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation Method

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars will bake evenly, giving you that lovely golden-brown color and perfect texture.

Next, let's prepare the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended. The combination of flour and sugar will create the base of your bars, providing that lovely, tender texture.

Now, it's time to cut in the butter. Take your chilled and cubed unsalted butter and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is vital; you want to ensure that the butter is well incorporated but not completely melted. If you don't have a pastry cutter, a fork will work just fine; the key is to break down the butter into small pieces.

Once the butter is incorporated, mix the egg yolk with the cold water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to your crust mixture, stirring until just combined. You should be able to form a dough without it being too sticky. If it's too dry, add a splash more water, but be careful not to overdo it.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. This will form the base for your bars. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to ensure that it's packed tightly and evenly across the dish. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. While the crust is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the pumpkin filling.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Use a whisk to blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. The spices will add that quintessential pumpkin pie flavor, and the eggs will help bind everything together, creating a lovely creamy filling.

Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it out gently, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. This step is crucial as you want each bite to be filled with that delicious pumpkin goodness.

Now, let's prepare the crumble topping. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined and crumbly. The oats will add a lovely texture to the topping, while the brown sugar will give it a rich flavor.

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin filling. Don’t hesitate to make it generous; this topping is what makes these bars extra special. The contrast between the creamy pumpkin and the crunchy topping is simply divine.

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly, so be prepared for some eager taste testers!

Once baked, remove the Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential as it helps the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut once they are cooled. Patience is key here, but the wait will be worth it.

Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. A sharp knife works best for this. You can serve them as they are or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Conclusion

For a fun variation, consider adding a layer of cream cheese to the filling. Simply whip together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 egg until smooth. Spread this mixture over the crust before adding the pumpkin filling for a rich, cheesecake-like layer. Additionally, these bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or busy weeknights.



Creating Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is not just about the final product; it’s about the joy of baking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. From the simple ingredients to the warm spices that fill your kitchen, every step is a reminder of the comfort that homemade treats bring. As you take a bite of these delectable bars, you’ll savor the melding of flavors and textures that make them irresistible.

If you loved this recipe, why not explore other delightful autumn recipes? Consider trying out our Apple Crisp or Cinnamon Roll Casserole for more cozy flavors! We invite you to share this recipe with friends and family, encouraging them to join in the baking fun. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the warmth of delicious aromas!