Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

Whenever the leaves start to change color and the air gets that delightful chill, I find myself craving those cozy flavors that autumn brings. This is the perfect time to whip up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars. Whether it’s a brisk Saturday afternoon or a gathering of friends for a warm evening, these bars are just the treat to share. I remember the first time I made them; the scent of warm spices wafted through my kitchen and instantly transported me to my grandmother’s home, where pumpkin pie was a staple. The crumbly topping and creamy filling create a wonderful contrast, making these bars a hit every time.

Recipe Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

When crafting these Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of spices, sweeteners, and creamy elements gives these bars their signature taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temperature – This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Brings a deep sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour – The base for our crumb mixture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly for a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to ensure proper leavening.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The quintessential spice for fall.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream – Provides moisture and a subtle tang.
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree – The star ingredient, giving these bars their pumpkin flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling nicely.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling.
• 1 egg – Binds the filling ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and sweetness.

The Method for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars is a delightful journey you’ll cherish. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious treat:

1. Prepare an 8-inch square pan by greasing the sides and bottom thoroughly. Don’t skip this step; you want the bars to come out easily! Line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easier removal. Set it aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and acquire a lovely golden color.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This combination creates a flavorful crumb base for the bars.
4. Add the ½ cup of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. The mixture should hold together but still be crumbly.
5. Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
6. In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
7. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will be the creamy layer of your bars.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the pumpkin layer. This will create a lovely crumbly topping that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth filling.
9. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible!
10. Once baked, cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious bars!

Recipe Variations about Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

If you love these Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars and want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an extra crunch!
• Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips to the filling or topping can bring a delightful twist.
• Different Spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Layered Bars: Create a layered effect by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled bars for a decadent treat.

What Goes Well With This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

These Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here’s how to serve them:

• With Coffee: Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet elegant dessert at dinner parties, topped with whipped cream.
• Picnic Snack: They’re perfect for picnics or potlucks; just cut them into squares and pack them up!
• Seasonal Gatherings: These bars make a fantastic addition to any fall-themed gathering or Thanksgiving celebration.
• Storage Tip: Keep leftover bars in the fridge for up to three days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed up in the microwave.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars are a perfect embodiment of fall flavors, combining spice, sweetness, and a creamy texture that’s truly satisfying. I encourage you to try making them; they are sure to become a staple in your autumn dessert repertoire. Enjoy them with friends, family, or even as a special treat for yourself. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Pumpkin Spice Crumb Bars. Rich, spiced, and creamy, these easy bars are perfect for any fall gathering. Warm flavors will have you craving seconds, so make sure you whip up a batch tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Unsalted Butter melted, cooled to room temperature
• ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup Canned Pumpkin Puree
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Prepare an 8-inch square pan by greasing the sides and bottom thoroughly. Line the bottom with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This combination creates a flavorful base.
4. Add the ½ cup of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. The mixture should hold together but still be crumbly.
5. Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
7. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the pumpkin layer, creating a crumbly topping.
9. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Once baked, cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to three days.

Previous PostMini Pumpkin Pies

Next Post Quinoa Lentil Burger

Meet Lucy Bennett

I’m passionate about food that brings people together. I love creating recipes that are vibrant, flavorful, and easy to share. I’ve cooked and tested this dish in my own kitchen to make sure it works perfectly for you. Enjoy!