Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars: Easy, Delicious Fall Dessert

Okay, let’s dive into making these ridiculously delicious and easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars! I remember the first time I tried them, I was desperate for a fall dessert that didn’t involve rolling out pie crust (ain’t nobody got time for that!). I stumbled across a recipe online, tweaked it a bit, and BAM! The kids went crazy for them! I knew then that this would be a perfect fit for our crazy family life. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. I promise you, fellow kitchen warriors, this is a sanity-saver you’ll want in your arsenal.

It’s always a win when you can create something delicious and satisfying without losing your mind. This Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars recipe is exactly that – simple, straightforward, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in your household. I’m excited to share my version with you. No stress, no fancy techniques, just real food for real families. Let’s do this!

Sometimes, all you need is a sweet treat that reminds you of fall. These pumpkin pie crumble bars do exactly that. They’re perfect for those days when you need a little bit of comfort and something that the whole family will love.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s the good news: this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix I usually grab this at Target during my regular grocery run.
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree Not pumpkin pie filling! You can find this in almost any store.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted I’ve been known to use salted butter when I’m in a pinch, and it still turns out great!
• 1 large egg This is the glue that holds everything together.
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice You can adjust this to your liking. My family loves when I add a little extra!
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) This adds a nice crunch, but it’s totally optional for nut-free families.

Trust me, this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars recipe is forgiving. No worries if you don’t have pecans – I skip them all the time, and it’s still delicious. And if you have leftover pumpkin puree, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars!

Here’s a Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars trick that saved my sanity. Sometimes, I premix the dry ingredients (cake mix and spice) in a baggie ahead of time. It makes things even faster when it’s baking day! This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars doesn’t have to break the bank either. Generic cake mixes work just as well!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s turn these ingredients into pumpkin pie crumble bars magic! This is going to be fun.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, don’t skip the greasing – nobody wants stuck bars!
2. In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! It should be a little crumbly.
3. Press half of the mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. I use my hands to get it nice and even.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining cake mix mixture with the chopped nuts (if using). This will be your crumble topping.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the crust. Don’t panic if your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars topping looks a little uneven – that’s part of the charm!
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars usually takes about 27 minutes.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. This is the hardest part, I know! But they’re easier to cut when cooled. While your Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – I would try to cut them while they were still warm. Don’t make my mistake! They crumble like crazy! This easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars recipe is so easy; you’ll be amazed. While you’re waiting for these bars to cool, why not check out my recipe for pumpkin magic bars?

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, let’s talk about how we devour these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars in my house! This is where the real fun begins.

The kids devour this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Sometimes I’ll drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for extra yumminess.

This Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert. I’ve even been known to pack them in school lunches (shhh!).

For a more festive presentation, you can dust the pumpkin pie crumble bars with powdered sugar before serving. It looks fancy, but it takes like 2 seconds! These pumpkin crumble bars are also a hit at potlucks. I always get asked for the recipe!

If you happen to have any leftover (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. My husband likes to sneak a Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars straight from the fridge!

For a seasonal variation, try adding a layer of cream cheese filling between the crust and the crumble. It’s like a mini pumpkin cheesecake! I’ve also experimented with adding chocolate chips to the crumble topping. My daughter is a huge fan of that version! For even more variations, check out Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars – Once Upon a Pumpkin.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. I’m here to help you succeed!

• Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars?
  • Honestly, it depends on your picky eater! But the sweetness and familiar flavors of spice cake mix usually win them over. You can always start with a small piece.
• What if I burn my Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • We’ve all been there! If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. And if it’s REALLY burned… well, maybe the birds will enjoy it!
• Can I make this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars ahead for meal prep?
  • Absolutely! These bars are great for meal prepping. Just bake them, let them cool completely, cut them into bars, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll be ready to go whenever you need a sweet treat.
• Can I use a different kind of cake mix?
  • Yes! Yellow cake mix or even chocolate cake mix would be delicious. Get creative!
• What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
  • You can make your own! Combine 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of cloves.
• Can I freeze these pumpkin pie bars?
  • Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• What is the texture of the crust?
  • It is a soft, cookie-like crust, not flaky like traditional pie crust.

These crumble topping pumpkin bars are truly foolproof. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own! If you’re looking for a more traditional recipe, check out Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust | Baked Abundance. And remember, even if they don’t turn out perfectly, they’ll still taste delicious! Don’t forget to check out my recipe for easy pumpkin pie bars!

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are special to my family because they represent simple pleasures and happy memories. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated recipes to create something truly wonderful. I love how easy they are to make, and the smiles they bring to everyone’s faces. These bars make my life easier and it helps to have an easy fall dessert recipe up my sleeve! If your kids enjoy this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars, they’ll enjoy my pumpkin magic bars!

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Mom Hacks:

• Pre-mix the dry ingredients: Save even more time by mixing the cake mix and spice ahead of time.
• Use a disposable pan: Less cleanup is always a win!
• Let the kids help: It might be messy, but it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Here are some family-tested variations:

• My son loves when I add chocolate chips to the crumble topping.
• My daughter prefers a cream cheese filling layer.
• My husband is a purist and likes them plain!

I hope you try these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars and make them your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your family’s preferences. For another great recipe that is similar, check out Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe – Crunchy Creamy Sweet! I have faith in you, fellow kitchen warriors! You’ve got this! Embrace the beautiful chaos, and enjoy the process. I know you can make these and make them with love!

 

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