Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’ve got a dessert obsession that’s about to become YOURS too. Picture this: the warm, comforting spice of pumpkin pie, but kicked up a notch with a buttery, crumbly topping that sends it straight into flavor orbit. We’re talking about Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars.
I’m telling you, these aren’t your grandma’s bland, boring pumpkin squares. These are a straight-up flavor BOMB! The first time I sank my teeth into one of these bad boys, I knew I had to share the recipe with my Cuba Queen family. We’re all about bold flavors and making every day a celebration, and these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars? They deliver on both counts. Get ready for a taste of pure autumn magic!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking maximum flavor with minimal fuss. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Pumpkin French Toast!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our crave-able crumble.
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Cold butter is KEY for that perfect, crumbly texture.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses-y sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the pumpkin spice flavors.
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree.
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the SECRET ingredient that makes the filling so creamy and decadent.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the filling together.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Because what’s pumpkin pie without pumpkin pie spice?
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
The secret to epic Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is using high-quality pumpkin puree. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars at your local farmer’s market! If you can find it, grab a can of organic pumpkin puree – you can really taste the difference!
For a budget-friendly alternative, you can make your own pumpkin puree by roasting a sugar pumpkin! Just roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a food processor.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars party started! Don’t stress – your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is going to be incredible. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into a slice of fall heaven in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars comes out cleanly.
- Make the crumble topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pro tip for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars perfection: Don’t overmix! You want to keep those butter pieces intact for a truly crumbly texture.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared pan. Use your fingers to create a firm, even crust. Bake for 10 minutes. This par-baking helps prevent a soggy crust.
- Make the pumpkin pie filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is where your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars transforms into pure magic.
- Pour the pumpkin pie filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the filling. Distribute it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. In my kitchen, this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars takes exactly 32 minutes! Your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars should look golden brown and the filling should be set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let the Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for clean slices! Trust me, I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but patience is a virtue (especially when it comes to Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars).
PRESENTATION
Okay, flavor adventurers, now for the fun part: presenting your masterpiece! These Pumpkin Pie Crummble Bars are beautiful on their own, but with a few simple touches, you can take them to the next level.
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra dose of sweetness. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars absolutely slay at Thanksgiving gatherings! They are also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy autumn day. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe – Crunchy Creamy Sweet!
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars at Friendsgiving! I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last piece.
For a seasonal variation, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping. For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle with melted chocolate.
If you have any leftover Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars (which is unlikely), you can crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a delicious topping!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! I’ve included some of the most common questions I get about this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars recipe.
Q: Can I make this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just store them in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Once Upon a Pumpkin?
A: Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
A: No problem! You can make your own by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: I haven’t tested this recipe with other flours, but I suspect that gluten-free all-purpose flour would work well. Check out this gluten-free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe if you want something already GF tested.
Q: How do I know when the Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are done?
A: The filling should be set and the crumble topping should be golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Q: Can I make this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars spicier?
A: You bet! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a little kick.
Q: What if my crumble topping is too dry?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter until it comes together. For reference, this Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars – Cooking Classy recipe may have additional tips.
Q: Can I make these into individual bars?
A: Yes! Use muffin tins instead of a baking pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly. This Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Once Upon a Pumpkin recipe goes into individual servings for a great handheld treat!
CONCLUSION
Flavor adventurers, I know you’re going to absolutely LOVE these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. They represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that make every day feel like a celebration. Here’s another family favorite: Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars!
My Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Power Tips:
- Use cold butter for the crumble topping! This is crucial for that perfect, crumbly texture.
- Don’t overmix the crumble topping! You want to keep those butter pieces intact.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting! This ensures clean slices.
Here are a few Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars variations I’ve created and loved:
- Maple Pecan: Add maple syrup to the filling and chopped pecans to the crumble topping.
- Gingerbread: Use gingerbread spice instead of pumpkin pie spice.
- Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the filling.
The Maple Pecan version gets the biggest reactions in my friend group.
I have complete confidence in your cooking success! Make these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars your signature dish, and get ready to impress your friends and family.
Now go forth and create some Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars memories! And don’t forget to share your results with me on social media! I want to see your beautiful bars! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try these Pumpkin Spice Donuts!
Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars offer all the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie in an easy-to-eat bar form. The buttery crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth pumpkin filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.