Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe
A cozy fall dessert with a creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery, crunchy oat crumble topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time!
Ingredients
For the Crumble Base and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or oat flour for gluten-free
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten-free if needed
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup protein powder unflavored or vanilla (optional)
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk or coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and lightly grease.
- Make the crumble base: In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and protein powder (if using). Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
- Form the crust: Press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture over the top.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden. A toothpick should come out clean. Cool completely (about 2 hours).
- Cut and serve: Lift bars out using parchment, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Substitutions: Use coconut oil/milk for dairy-free, oat flour for gluten-free, or maple syrup for refined sugar-free.
- High-Protein Option: Add protein powder to the crumble and pair with Greek yogurt.
- Spice It Up: Add ¼ tsp cayenne for a kick.
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Prevent Sogginess: Ensure accurate measurements and full cooling before cutting.
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