Pumpkin Crumble Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert

Okay, so you have to try these Pumpkin Crumble Bars. They’re like fall in every bite. Warm, sweet, and a little bit cozy.

I made them on a chilly day, and wow—they hit the spot. The pumpkin is creamy, and the crumble on top is buttery and crisp. It made the whole house smell amazing.

They’re soft in the middle with a sweet crunch on top. I couldn’t stop at one. These bars are perfect for snacks, dessert, or even breakfast (yep, I did that).

Wanna bake something easy and super yummy? Let’s make these Pumpkin Crumble Bars together. You’re gonna love how simple and tasty they are.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Crumble Bars

• Fall Flavors in Every Bite: Rich pumpkin filling paired with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping makes each bite a delicious explosion of autumn flavors.
• Quick and Easy to Make: No need to fuss with rolling out dough! The crust and crumble topping are made in minutes and come together effortlessly.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars hold up well in the fridge for a few days and are perfect for a grab-and-go snack or breakfast treat.
• Great for Sharing: With a cut-and-serve format, these bars are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or at your next fall gathering.
• Versatile Texture: The chewy, soft pumpkin filling contrasts beautifully with the crispy, crumbly topping, creating the perfect balance of textures.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these Pumpkin Crumble Bars:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls for both the crust and the pumpkin filling.
2. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for cutting the bars into generous portions.
3. Whisk: Use a whisk to evenly blend the pumpkin filling ingredients.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
5. Spatula or Spoon: You’ll need these to evenly spread the crust, crumble topping, and filling.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering bars:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base for the crust and crumble topping.
• Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): Adds texture and chew to the crumble topping.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Gives the crust and crumble a rich, caramelized sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm, fall-spiced flavor that enhances both the crust and topping.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): The fat that binds the crust and crumble topping together, adding richness.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The star of the recipe! Use canned pure pumpkin puree for the smoothest filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pumpkin filling.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds extra depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Complements the pumpkin’s flavor with warm spices.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A must-have fall spice to give your filling a warm, fragrant kick.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an earthy note to the flavor profile.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice that adds depth to the filling.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors in the pumpkin.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla deepens the flavor of the pumpkin filling.
• Large eggs (2): Help set the filling and give it a rich, smooth texture.
• Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 oz): Adds creaminess to the filling, giving it that custard-like texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well-mixed.

Next, add in the melted butter and stir with a spoon until the mixture begins to come together. You’ll notice that the butter will help create small clumps that form the crumble topping. Set aside half of this mixture for the crumble topping.

Take the remaining half of the mixture and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the base or crust of your bars. Press down firmly, making sure the crust is even. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until it’s just starting to brown.

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling

While the crust is baking, you can start on the pumpkin filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and evaporated milk, and whisk again until everything is evenly incorporated.

Once the crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the pumpkin filling over the hot crust. Spread the filling evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.

3. Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the pumpkin filling. The crumble will bake up into a golden, crisp topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy pumpkin filling. Don’t worry if it looks a bit uneven—this will create a rustic, homemade look once baked!

4. Bake the Pumpkin Crumble Bars

Now it’s time to bake everything together! Place your baking dish back into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the pumpkin filling has set. The center should be firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Be sure to check after about 35 minutes to avoid overbaking. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bars. The filling should be set but still a little soft when you tap it gently.

Once the bars are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Afterward, you can transfer the bars to the fridge for an hour to set completely, making them easier to slice.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crumble Bars

These Pumpkin Crumble Bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few fun additions:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with these bars, providing a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars right before serving. It pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and spice flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Add some texture by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the bars before baking, or on top of the finished bars for a crunchy contrast.

Storing Pumpkin Crumble Bars

• Room Temperature: Once your pumpkin crumble bars are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled!
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. After they’ve completely cooled, slice them into individual bars and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Crumble Bars

• Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices, which would interfere with the flavor balance of your bars.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: When mixing the pumpkin filling, don’t overmix the eggs once added. Overbeating can cause cracks to form in the filling as it bakes.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a more spiced filling, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Just keep in mind that these spices can quickly overpower the pumpkin flavor, so I recommend adjusting the amounts carefully.

Why This Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe Is Perfect for Fall

There’s something magical about autumn that makes pumpkin desserts so comforting. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich, velvety pumpkin filling feels like a warm hug from the inside. And with the crumble topping, you get the perfect balance of textures—crunchy, buttery, and sweet on top, with a creamy, smooth pumpkin base underneath.

Whether you’re baking these bars for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply to enjoy a taste of fall, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Plus, they make the whole house smell like autumn!

Pumpkin Crumble Bars FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These pumpkin crumble bars are actually better when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. You can bake them a day or two in advance, store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh in the fridge. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for prepping in advance for a gathering.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree can be used instead of canned pumpkin puree. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly before using it in the recipe. You’ll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe, and it should have a similar texture to canned pumpkin.

What can I substitute for the evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk, heavy cream, or a dairy-free option like coconut milk. Just keep in mind that using regular milk will result in a slightly less creamy filling, while heavy cream will make it extra rich.

Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?

Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping can add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them into the crumble mixture before sprinkling it over the pumpkin filling. You can also sprinkle some toasted pecans on top of the finished bars for a decorative touch.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The pumpkin filling should be firm to the touch and slightly puffed up. A toothpick inserted into the center of the bars should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The crumble topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

How long will the pumpkin crumble bars last?

If stored properly, these bars will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply slice them before freezing and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Nutrition for Pumpkin Crumble Bars

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition content per serving for these delicious bars:

Nutrition Facts	Amount Per Serving
Calories	250
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	20g
Protein	3g

Note: These values are based on standard ingredients and may vary based on your specific brands and substitutions. Always check nutrition labels for the most accurate information.

Why Pumpkin Crumble Bars Are a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin has a way of bringing people together during the fall months. There’s something about the warm spices and rich flavor that just feels cozy and nostalgic. Pumpkin pie might be the classic, but these Pumpkin Crumble Bars bring a new twist to the table. With the buttery, cinnamon-infused crumble topping and the smooth, creamy pumpkin filling, these bars are the ultimate treat for pumpkin lovers everywhere.

Perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or enjoying a peaceful evening at home, this recipe has all the comforting flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you pair them with a cup of hot apple cider or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, there’s no wrong way to indulge in these delightful bars.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to embrace the cozy vibes of fall than with a batch of Pumpkin Crumble Bars. These bars capture everything that makes autumn special: the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined with the smooth richness of pumpkin. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering or enjoying them on a quiet afternoon, these bars will quickly become a staple in your fall baking rotation.

With their perfect balance of texture—crispy, buttery crumble on top and smooth, spiced pumpkin filling—every bite is a comforting reminder of why we love this season. Plus, they’re simple to make, and the ingredients are easily accessible, making them an ideal dessert for both novice and seasoned bakers.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible Pumpkin Crumble Bars. They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table and fill your home with the delightful scents of fall. Happy baking!