Name: Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cups (195 g) gingersnap crumbs; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (34 g) old-fashioned oats; ½ cup (105 g) light brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted; 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (105 g) light brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 15 ounces (425 g) canned pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn and crave a dessert that combines spicy, sweet, and creamy all in one bite, you must try this Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe. Imagine a luscious, velvety pumpkin filling resting atop a crisp gingersnap crust, crowned with a buttery brown sugar crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes every gathering instantly special. These bars are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, and they strike the perfect balance between festive flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a crumbly mixture that is light brown with visible bits of oats scattered through it. The texture looks grainy and chunky, with small clumps throughout. A shiny silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the right side and partially buried in the mixture. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, and there is a teal cloth in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating your Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe. Each one plays a unique role, from building the sturdy crust to enriching the creamy filling and creating that irresistible crumble topping.

Gingersnap crumbs: Providing a spicy, crunchy foundation for the crust that perfectly complements the pumpkin.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices and enhance the crust’s flavor.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust and topping, adding richness and a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumble topping ensuring that perfect crispy texture.
Old-fashioned oats: Add a rustic chew and extra heartiness to the crumble topping.
Light brown sugar: Infuses both the topping and filling with a molasses-like sweetness and moist texture.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms up both the filling and topping.
Cream cheese: Creates a silky, tangy base in the filling that perfectly balances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Eggs: Help bind and add richness to the filling, making it creamy and perfectly firm when baked.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the flavors deliciously.
Canned pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe, delivering that signature smooth, earthy taste of pumpkin.
Ground cloves and nutmeg: These warm spices elevate the filling and add subtle depth and complexity.

How to Make Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9-by-9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch overhang on all sides for easy removal later. Mix the gingersnap crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the pan’s bottom to create that irresistible spiced base. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, ensuring it’s crisp but not burnt.

Step 2: Create the crumble topping

While the crust bakes, combine the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over this dry mix and toss everything with a fork until every bit is coated with butter. This topping mixture should resemble coarse crumbs and will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip up the filling

Next, in a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes to achieve a smooth, fluffy mixture. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Finally, fold in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix on medium-low speed just until everything is smoothly combined. This filling is rich, velvety, and packed with warming spice.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Spread the creamy filling evenly over the warm gingersnap crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top. Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling has set and the crumble looks beautifully golden. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe

The image shows six square crumb bars arranged on white baking paper placed on a dark wooden board with slightly rounded edges. Each bar has two layers: a thick, soft, light brown base layer, and a crumbly, rough-textured topping layer made of streusel with a mix of small and medium chunks in a golden beige color. One bar in the front shows a small piece being lifted by a silver spoon, revealing the dense inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these bars for any occasion, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. A few chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top add extra flair and crunch that complement the crumble texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast of hot and cold. A cup of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea makes the perfect cozy beverage pairing that brings out the autumn spice notes in the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins around them. You can also layer them in a clear trifle bowl with whipped cream for a stunning seasonal dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin crumble bars keep wonderfully well in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or upcoming celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then microwave each piece for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This helps refresh the crumble topping’s crunch and the filling’s creamy softness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can be used but must be cooked and pureed first to achieve the smooth consistency needed for the filling. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, so it’s often preferred for this recipe.

What can I substitute for gingersnap crumbs?

If gingersnap crumbs are unavailable, crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits make a good alternative, but keep in mind the flavor will be less spicy. Adding a pinch of ground ginger and cinnamon can help mimic that warm profile.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before cutting?

Yes, chilling the bars for at least 4 hours helps the filling fully set, making slicing easier and keeping the bars neat without crumbling apart.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

To make vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of real eggs, and swap butter for a dairy-free option. The flavor will be delicious but the texture might slightly differ.

How long do these bars last after baking?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, these bars maintain their best quality for about 4 days. Beyond that, they might dry out or the crust could soften too much.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of pumpkin spice, creamy filling, and crumbly texture all at once. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars at every autumn gathering or whenever you need a bit of cozy comfort. Give them a try, and you might just discover your new favorite seasonal treat!