Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe are a delightful way to embrace the flavors of autumn. These bars feature a creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy oat crumble, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, attending a potluck, or simply wanting a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. With their warm spices and sweet aroma, they capture the essence of fall in each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies the spirit of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these bars warm with ice cream or cold with coffee; they are delicious either way!
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars cut easily into squares, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or events.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices to personalize this dessert!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious details of our Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly spreading the batter and achieving the right thickness for the bars.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized while mixing different components.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for achieving a smooth mixture when combining wet ingredients like pumpkin puree and eggs.

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Ingredients

For the Crumble Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until well-mixed. This forms your crumble mixture.

Step 3: Form the Base Layer

Press about half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish. Ensure it is evenly spread to form a solid base layer.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the pumpkin filling over the crumble base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)

Sprinkle any remaining crumble mixture on top of the pumpkin filling. If desired, add chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before slicing them into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few extra touches can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these bars to the fullest.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the dense pumpkin filling beautifully.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, decadent touch.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying these bars alongside a cup of spiced coffee or herbal tea rounds out the experience, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only looks beautiful but also adds a hint of extra sweetness.

Garnish with Nuts

• Topping the bars with chopped walnuts or pecans adds crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, keep these helpful tips in mind. They will ensure you create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree brings more depth of flavor compared to canned options.

• Chill the butter: Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing it into dry ingredients; this helps maintain a crumbly texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to ensure the crumble remains light and flaky rather than dense.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before slicing ensures clean edges and prevents them from falling apart.

• Customize spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preference for more warmth or flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars can enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast.

2. Spiced Apple Slices: Warm spiced apple slices bring additional seasonal flavors that complement the pumpkin.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and soft texture of roasted sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the bars.

4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dessert, providing freshness.

5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that work well alongside sweet desserts.

6. Pumpkin Soup: For a cozy meal, serve a small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup as an appetizer before enjoying dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. If you skip this step, the bars may not cook evenly.
• Overmixing the crumble: Mix just until combined to keep the topping light and crunchy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely helps them set properly. Slicing too soon can result in a messy presentation.
• Using fresh pumpkin instead of puree: Fresh pumpkin can lead to excess moisture. Stick with canned pumpkin puree for the best consistency.
• Neglecting to line your baking dish: Lining with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars. Without this step, they may stick and break apart.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the bars are completely cooled before storing.

Freezing Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can, but canned pumpkin puree is more consistent in moisture and flavor. Fresh pumpkin may make your bars too watery.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter for a vegan option.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

You can omit walnuts or replace them with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

How do I know when my bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and the pumpkin filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan.

Can I customize the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices or add extras like nutmeg or ginger according to your taste preferences.

Are these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free bars, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different nuts or spices according to your preference. Enjoy them as a comforting fall dessert or share them at gatherings—either way, they’re bound to impress!