Introduction: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Favorite
Fall just isn't fall without something sweet, spiced, and pumpkin-filled coming out of the oven. And if you love pumpkin pie but hate the fuss of rolling out a crust, then these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are about to become your new go-to treat.
These bars are everything you love about a classic pumpkin pie—creamy, warmly spiced filling—with a buttery, crumbly twist. They're easy to slice, easy to share, and totally addicting. Whether you're whipping up dessert for a Thanksgiving crowd or just craving a cozy slice with your coffee, this pumpkin dessert does the job deliciously.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
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✅ No rolling required—skip the pie crust and go straight for buttery crumble layers.
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✅ Perfect make-ahead dessert—great for holiday prep or freezing.
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✅ Crowd-pleasing—feeds a group and travels well.
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✅ Simple ingredients—all pantry staples and canned pumpkin!
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✅ Versatile—top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel, or serve chilled.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy pumpkin bars from scratch:
🔸 For the Crumble Base and Topping:
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
🔸 For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
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1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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2 large eggs
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1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
These bars are broken down into 3 main steps—prep the crust, make the filling, then bake it all together.
🧁 Step 1: Make the Crumble
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
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Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
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Press about two-thirds of the crumble into the bottom of your baking dish to form a base. Reserve the rest for topping.
🥧 Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
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In another bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pressed crumble base.
🍂 Step 3: Top and Bake
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Sprinkle the remaining crumble evenly over the pumpkin filling.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
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Let cool completely before slicing into bars. Chill in the fridge for clean-cut edges.
Tips for Success
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📌 Use canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix—it lets you control the spices and sugar.
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📌 Cool completely before slicing for best texture and clean edges.
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📌 Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for a nutty twist.
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📌 Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
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🍦 Top with vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
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🍯 Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
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☕ Pair with coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall combo.
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🍽️ Serve at brunch, bake sales, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Why These Pumpkin Bars Are Better Than Pie
Let’s be real—pie can be high-maintenance. Crust can shrink, fillings can get runny, and slicing that first piece? It’s usually a mess. These bars, on the other hand, solve all of that. You get that classic pumpkin pie flavor with the ease of a tray bake.
No soggy bottoms. No fancy pie dish needed. Just layers of buttery crumble and smooth, spiced pumpkin that hold together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just be sure to drain any excess liquid and use the same amount (about 1 ¾ cups).
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can sub with 1 cup heavy cream + ¾ cup brown sugar, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking pan or make two batches—perfect for potlucks or big holiday dinners.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
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Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Conclusion: A New Fall Favorite
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are everything you want in a fall dessert—rich, spiced, creamy, and easy. They pack all the comforting flavor of pumpkin pie without the stress, making them perfect for busy holiday baking or whenever you need a cozy treat.
From their buttery crumble base to that smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, these bars are sure to impress. Bake a batch today and let the pumpkin spice season officially begin!
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