Every fall, my kitchen fills with the cozy scent of pumpkin and spices. It reminds me of chilly afternoons spent baking with my family, where pumpkin pies were a seasonal tradition. Over the years, I wanted something simpler yet just as comforting — that’s how my Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars were born. These bars capture all the flavors of a classic pumpkin pie but in an easier, hand-held version. Whenever I make them, they disappear quickly from the table, leaving behind only the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of creamy, spiced pumpkin filling and a buttery oat crumble that’s both crisp and tender. It’s everything you crave in a fall dessert — familiar, warm, and incredibly satisfying. I often bake a batch on weekends to enjoy with my morning coffee or to share with neighbors. The best part is how quickly they come together without the need for rolling dough or making a pie crust from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are versatile enough to suit any occasion. You can serve them at Thanksgiving dinner, pack them in lunch boxes, or even enjoy them as an afternoon snack. They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for parties or bake sales.
Another reason to love them? They’re wonderfully budget-friendly. You only need simple pantry staples — flour, oats, butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree — ingredients most of us already have at home during the fall season. Despite their simplicity, the flavor tastes rich and festive, like something you’d find in a bakery window.
Versatile
You can easily customize these bars to your taste. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or leave them out for a smoother texture. If you want to make them even more indulgent, drizzle a light vanilla glaze once cooled. They adapt beautifully to what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly
Every ingredient serves a purpose and stretches your dollar. Pumpkin puree gives the bars moisture and flavor, while oats add a rustic, hearty feel. It’s proof that a dessert can be both affordable and delicious.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
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1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Whenever I bake these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, my kitchen turns into a cozy autumn retreat. The process is simple, relaxing, and fills the air with the warm scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. Everything comes together in one bowl for the crust and another for the filling — no fancy tools or complicated steps required.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. I prefer lining the dish so that the bars lift out easily after cooling.Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups rolled oats, 1 cup packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. The texture should be slightly sticky but crumbly enough to press into the dish. This mixture acts as both the crust and the topping, giving every bite a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Scoop out about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press it gently with the back of a spoon or your hands to create a firm base. This layer will hold the creamy pumpkin filling without breaking apart.Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups pumpkin puree, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free). Mix until the batter becomes smooth and silky. This filling is rich in flavor yet light in texture, giving the bars that classic pumpkin pie taste without the heaviness of a traditional crust.Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the crumble base, spreading it to cover every corner. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top. This layer will bake into a golden, crisp topping. If you like a bit of crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts before baking.Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the center no longer jiggles and the edges look slightly crisp.Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before slicing. Cooling helps the filling set properly and makes the bars easier to cut cleanly. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and place them on a cutting board. Slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on how you plan to serve them.Quick and Easy
These bars are a time-saver when you’re craving pumpkin pie flavor but don’t want to deal with making pastry dough. Everything comes together in under 20 minutes of prep time. They also store beautifully — simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container and thaw before serving.
Customizable
What makes this recipe special is how easily it adapts to your preferences. You can replace the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version or add a drizzle of maple glaze for an extra layer of sweetness. If you love texture, stir in a handful of shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips into the topping mixture before baking.
For a healthier twist, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. The result will still be moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing
Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Their portable size makes them perfect for sharing, and the layered combination of buttery crumble and creamy pumpkin appeals to both kids and adults. Whenever I bring these to a party, people always ask for the recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels homemade, comforting, and festive all at once.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them chilled with a cup of tea or coffee. Either way, they’re bound to become a favorite in your fall baking lineup.
FAQs
1. Can I make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for preparing in advance. You can bake them a day or two before serving. Once they cool completely, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.2. How do I store the leftovers?
Leftover bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days if your kitchen isn’t too warm. For longer freshness, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each piece in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely. If you have fresh pumpkin, cook and mash it until smooth before measuring. Make sure to remove excess moisture by pressing it with a paper towel so the filling doesn’t become watery.4. What can I substitute for eggs?
For an egg-free version, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). It gives a similar texture and keeps the filling smooth and creamy.5. How do I make them gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as crumbly, rich, and flavorful.
Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars combine all the cozy flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie with the ease of a handheld dessert. With a buttery oat crust, a creamy spiced pumpkin filling, and a golden crumble topping, they’re a perfect treat for any fall gathering or simple coffee break at home.
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
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1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
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Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the baking dish to form the crust.
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In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) until smooth.
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Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, and add walnuts if desired.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and the filling is set.
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Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
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For nut-free bars, omit walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds.
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To make them gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
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The bars taste even better the next day as the flavors blend beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes