Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Clara quick dinners

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a cozy, handheld twist on classic pumpkin pie. Featuring a buttery spiced crust and crumble topping, these bars are filled with a creamy, lightly sweetened pumpkin pie layer that’s perfect for fall. Whether served at a holiday dinner, tucked into lunchboxes, or enjoyed with your morning coffee, these bars deliver the comforting flavor of pumpkin pie—no fork required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of pumpkin pie in an easy-to-serve bar form
• Buttery oat crumble doubles as crust and topping
• Great for parties, potlucks, and holiday dessert tables
• No need to fuss with pie crusts or slicing messy pies
• Easy to make ahead and slice when ready to serve
• Balanced sweetness with cozy spices
• Freezer-friendly for long-term storage
• Portable and perfect for gifting
• Great with or without whipped cream
• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust & crumble topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Old-fashioned oats
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)

For the pumpkin pie filling:

• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Granulated sugar or brown sugar
• Eggs
• Heavy cream or evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves (optional)
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. Make the crust/crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve about 1½ cups of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
4. Bake the crust for 1012 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
5. Make the pumpkin filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sugar, eggs, cream, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
6. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the pumpkin layer.
8. Bake for 3540 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
9. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
10. Slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 1620 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 4550 minutes total
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream or oat milk in the filling.
• Extra Spice: Add pumpkin pie spice in place of individual spices for ease.
• Mini Version: Make in a muffin tin with liners for individual servings.
• Maple Sweetened: Use maple syrup or maple sugar in place of some of the sugar for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze bars individually or as a full slab, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary—enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?

It’s not recommended—pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which may throw off the flavor and texture.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

A short pre-bake helps keep the crust from becoming soggy and ensures it holds together when sliced.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely—they store well and taste even better the next day after chilling.

Are these bars sweet?

They’re mildly sweet, like a classic pumpkin pie, balanced by the buttery oat topping.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes! A simple vanilla or maple glaze drizzled over the top adds an elegant touch.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The center should be set (not jiggly) and the top golden brown. A toothpick inserted off-center should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?

Yes, cut the recipe in half for an 8×8-inch pan. Reduce baking time by about 510 minutes.

What’s the best way to slice clean bars?

Chill completely, use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

Old-fashioned oats give the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.

What’s the best topping for serving?

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel are all excellent choices.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a deliciously easy alternative to traditional pie—no crust rolling, no slicing stress, just cozy fall flavors in a bar you can hold. With their buttery oat crumble and rich pumpkin filling, they’re the perfect treat for autumn potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or anytime you want something warm, spiced, and irresistibly comforting. Make a batch, and watch them disappear!

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