Name: Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust and topping:; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (can substitute coconut sugar); 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature/slightly melted; For the filling:; 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup honey; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 2 tbsp oats, chopped walnuts, pecan pieces, or pumpkin seeds (optional)

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Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are everything you love about pumpkin pie, wrapped into a soft, spiced, and crumbly handheld treat. With a warm spiced crust that doubles as the topping and a creamy pumpkin filling sweetened with honey, these bars are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall—no pie crust required!

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin pie in bar form – All the classic flavors with less fuss.
Perfectly spiced – Warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice in every bite.
Easy to make – Simple steps and no rolling or shaping of dough.
Naturally sweetened – Honey brings just the right amount of sweetness.
Wholesome ingredients – Made with whole wheat pastry flour and optional nuts or seeds.
Great for gatherings – Easy to slice and serve at parties or potlucks.
Customizable topping – Add your favorite crunchy mix-ins like walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
Kid-friendly – A healthier sweet treat kids and adults will love.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and freeze for later.
No mixer needed – Can be made with a wooden spoon and a bowl if preferred.

Ingredients

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

For the crust and topping:
½ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature or slightly melted

For the filling:
1¼ cups pumpkin purée
½ cup honey
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Optional topping additions:
2 tablespoons oats
Chopped walnuts, pecan pieces, or pumpkin seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add melted or softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or hands until a crumbly dough forms.
Reserve about ½ cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, honey, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Add oats, nuts, or seeds to the reserved dough. Crumble it over the top of the filling, covering most of the surface with uneven chunks.
Bake for about 28 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment to lift out, then cut into 9 bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend in place of whole wheat pastry flour.
Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and a flax egg in place of the egg.
Nut-free: Skip the nuts and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Extra sweet: Add a sprinkle of coconut sugar or brown sugar on top before baking.
Add chocolate chips: Fold a few mini chocolate chips into the topping dough for a sweeter twist.
Use maple syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener.
Add dried fruit: Raisins or dried cranberries can add texture and sweetness.
Make mini bars: Cut into 12 or 16 smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
Use different spices: Try ginger or cloves for a bolder spice profile.
Top with glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating:
Enjoy bars chilled, at room temperature, or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Freezing:
Freeze bars in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree so you can control the sweetness and spices.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works as a direct substitute if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.

What’s the best way to cut these into clean bars?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

They can be stored at room temperature for a day or two but last longer and stay firmer when refrigerated.

Is this recipe overly sweet?

No, it’s lightly sweetened with honey. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey slightly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made 1–2 days ahead or frozen in advance.

Can I skip the topping?

You can, but the crumble topping adds texture and extra flavor that complements the filling.

What can I serve these with?

Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a light dessert topped with whipped cream or yogurt.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are a cozy, spiced, and satisfying fall treat that comes together with simple ingredients and no pie crust required. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a casual afternoon snack, these bars capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a convenient and delicious square. Enjoy them warm or chilled, and share the flavors of the season with everyone you love.