Pumpkin Crumble Bars: Delicious Fall Treats You Need to Try

Pumpkin Crumble Bars are the perfect autumn treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, these delightful bars evoke the essence of the season with their rich pumpkin flavor and buttery crumble topping. Originating from traditional pumpkin desserts, these bars have become a beloved staple in many households, especially during the fall months. I love how the combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a cozy aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge. What makes Pumpkin Crumble Bars so irresistible is their delightful texture—soft and moist on the inside, with a crunchy topping that adds the perfect contrast. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• For the crust and crumble topping:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the pumpkin filling:
• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Preparing the Crust and Crumble Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your bars bake evenly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will be the wet mixture that binds everything together.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until just combined. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
5. Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will form the base of your bars. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
6. Set aside the remaining crumble mixture for the topping.

Preparing the Pumpkin Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree. Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices.
2. To the pumpkin, add the granulated sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and ground cloves. This combination of spices will give your filling that warm, cozy flavor.
3. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps from the pumpkin puree.
4. Taste the filling and adjust the spices if necessary. I often add a pinch more cinnamon for an extra kick!

Assembling the Bars

1. Pour the pumpkin filling over the pressed crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the crust.
2. Now, take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the pumpkin filling. This will create a delicious topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
3. Once everything is assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Cooling and Serving

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling time helps the bars set up a bit more.
2. After the initial cooling, transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut.
3. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 16 bars, but you can cut them smaller or larger as you like.
4. For serving, I love to dust the tops with a little powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and presentation. You can also serve them with

Conclusion:

In summary, these Pumpkin Crumble Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously comforting dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The combination of creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery crumble topping creates a delightful contrast in textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy these bars warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a unique twist, or even swapping out the pumpkin for sweet potato for a different flavor profile. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Pumpkin Crumble Bars recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your family and friends react? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s spread the joy of these delightful Pumpkin Crumble Bars together!

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