Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars 🎃🍂 — A Cozy Twist on a Fall Favorite

The Perfect Autumn Treat You’ll Crave All Season Long

There’s something undeniably magical about autumn. The crisp air, golden leaves, oversized sweaters, and most importantly—pumpkin everything. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, prepping for a festive fall party, or simply craving a sweet bite after a walk through the leaves, these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are your new must-bake recipe.

Born from a love of traditional pumpkin pie and the irresistible texture of oat crumbles, this dessert combines the best of both worlds. It’s got all the warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling you adore, layered between a sweet, buttery oat crumble that adds both crunch and charm.

This recipe has become a fall tradition in our kitchen. It started one Thanksgiving when there wasn’t enough time to make a full pie. We had leftover ingredients and a craving for something quick, easy, and deeply comforting. What came out of the oven was pure autumn magic—and we’ve made it every year since.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

If you’re looking for a fall dessert that’s:

Easy to make
Perfectly spiced
Ideal for sharing (or not!)
Great for make-ahead occasions
Packed with texture and flavor

…then these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars check every box. Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, they’re portable, sliceable, and don’t require any fancy crust-making skills. They also store well and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

All you need is a handful of pantry staples and some cozy spices. Here’s what you’ll gather for this warm and satisfying fall treat:

For the Crumble + Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream

Vanilla ice cream

Dusting of powdered sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

These bars come together in under an hour and smell incredible while baking. Let’s walk through it:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later for clean cutting.

2. Make the Crumble & Crust

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Oats
Brown sugar
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon

Once combined, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. The mixture should resemble coarse, slightly sticky sand.

Pro Tip: If it feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter.

3. Press the Crust

Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan. This forms your crust. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out evenly.

Rustic charm is welcome here! Don’t stress about perfection.

4. Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In a separate bowl, combine:

Pumpkin puree
Granulated sugar
Egg
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Cloves
Vanilla extract
Evaporated milk or heavy cream

Whisk until everything is silky-smooth and well combined.

5. Layer and Crumble

Pour the pumpkin filling over the pressed crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Then sprinkle the remaining third of the crumble mixture evenly over the top.

You’ll see that irresistible crumble magic already forming—crunchy golden topping, creamy spiced middle, and that solid crust holding it all together.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until:

The topping is golden brown
The center appears set but slightly jiggly

Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools, so don’t rush this step!

7. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve as-is, or top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that tastes like fall in every bite.

Storage Tips

Another reason to love these bars? They store like a dream.

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.

They’re great for make-ahead holiday planning or for packing in school or office lunches.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Vibes 🍁

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

Warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Cold with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
With a hot cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte
As part of a fall dessert board with candied nuts, chocolate bark, and fresh apple slices

Planning a Thanksgiving potluck or Friendsgiving brunch? These bars will steal the show without stealing your time.

Tips for Success

Use pure pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling, which already includes sugar and spices.
Let the bars cool completely – This ensures clean cuts and the best texture.
Don’t skip the oats – They add essential texture to the crumble.
Adjust the spice – Love cinnamon? Add more! Prefer milder flavor? Reduce cloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

Not recommended. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the balance of the recipe.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are gluten-free certified.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk both work well as alternatives.

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars vs. Pumpkin Pie: Why Choose?

While pumpkin pie is a classic, it’s not always practical—especially when you’re feeding a crowd, or want something you can grab on the go. That’s where these bars shine:

Feature	Pumpkin Pie	Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
Hands-Free Eating	❌ Needs a fork	✅ Grab and go
Prep Time	Long	Short
Texture	Smooth & soft	Creamy + Crunchy
Portability	Low	High
Crowd Appeal	High	Very High

Make It a Fall Tradition 🍂

Just like warm scarves and crackling fires, these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are destined to become a part of your fall traditions. Whether it’s a quick dessert for family dinner, a sweet surprise for coworkers, or a make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert—this recipe never disappoints.

The balance of rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and buttery crumble makes every bite taste like home. So light a candle, cue the cozy playlist, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of fall.

🍁 Ready to bake? Your new favorite fall dessert is waiting.