These Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a fun twist on traditional pumpkin pie! With a soft and spiced pumpkin filling, all topped with a sweet, crumbly layer, they are simply delightful.
These bars are perfect for a cozy family gathering or a snack while watching your favorite show. Just remember, sharing is caring, but good luck resisting them! 😄
What I love most is how quick these bars are to whip up. Just mix, layer, and bake. It’s a pumpkin treat that’s ready in no time, making it so easy to enjoy fall vibes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for the crumble. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth and moisture to the crumble. For a lighter flavor, you can substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar, but the taste will change slightly.
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find canned puree, you can make your own by roasting pumpkin and mashing it. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added sugar or spices.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives a creamy texture and sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a canned coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for the Crumble?
For the perfect crumble topping, the key is to mix the dry ingredients before adding melted butter. This helps create that nice crumbly texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and spices.
- Pour the melted butter gradually, mixing with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Be careful not to overmix; a bit of crumbly texture is what you’re after!
Also, remember to reserve some crumble mixture to sprinkle on top before baking. This really boosts the bar’s flavor and texture!
Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool completely, which may take another 30 minutes or so. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 25 minutes to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. It’s okay if the paper hangs over the edges a little—this will help you lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crumble Base:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir it all together. Keep mixing until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press the Crust:
Set aside about 1 cup of that crumble mixture for later. Now, take the rest and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create a nice, even crust.
4. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until everything is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Bake:
Pour the pumpkin filling over your crust and spread it out evenly. Now, take that reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the filling.
6. Time to Bake:
Put the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling looks set. You might see a little jiggle—this is normal!
7. Cool and Cut:
Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or bars.
8. Enjoy Your Treat!
Serve these delicious pumpkin pie crumble bars chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for fall gatherings or just an everyday treat. Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?
Yes, you can! To use fresh pumpkin, roast a small sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of fresh puree for this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly and they’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use non-dairy milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, and replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of pecans on top adds a nice crunch, too!
