There’s something about fall that makes us crave cosy flavours, warm spices, and—let’s be honest—all things pumpkin. If you’re looking for a pumpkin dessert recipe that checks all the boxes (easy, delicious, and totally impressive), these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars are it.

Imagine your favourite pumpkin pie, but with a buttery oat crumble that adds just the right amount of texture and crunch. These bars are basically autumn in dessert form, and they come together without the fuss of making pie dough. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just treating yourself with a PSL on the side.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars

That oat crumble, though: Soft in the middle, crispy on top—these oat crumble bars deliver the best of both worlds.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
No crust stress: Skip the rolling pin and press your way to dessert glory.
Great for a crowd: This fall dessert makes 12 generous bars (or more if you like them bite-sized).

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
1½ cups rolled oats (135 g)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted (230 g)
1¼ cups packed brown sugar, divided (220 g)
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups pumpkin puree (480 g)
½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, 60 g)

Let’s Bake Some Pumpkin Magic

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
Make the crumble: In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until combined and crumbly.
Form the crust: Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Set the rest aside for the topping.
Mix the filling: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
Assemble: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the base. Sprinkle the remaining crumble evenly on top. Add walnuts if using.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. (Trust me—this step is key for clean cuts!)

Baking Tips & Tricks

Want neater edges? Chill the bars before slicing.
Swap walnuts for pecans or skip the nuts entirely if you prefer.
Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cleanup.
These bars freeze beautifully—just wrap and store for up to 2 months.

My Fall Go-To for Every Occasion

I first whipped up these bars on a whim when I was out of pie crust and too tired to make one from scratch. The result? Pure gold. Now they’ve become my go-to fall dessert. Whether it’s a bake sale, a cozy night in, or Thanksgiving dessert duty, these bars always steal the show.

Even my “I’m not a pumpkin person” friends go in for seconds. The combo of spiced pumpkin and that golden crumble topping is just too irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to pack up and take wherever the fall festivities lead you.

Serving Suggestions for These Cozy Crumble Bars

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Paired with a hot cup of coffee or chai
Served warm or cold—either way, they’re a win

How to Store and Enjoy Later

Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or gently warm in the oven.

FAQs About This Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree so you can control the sweetness and spice levels.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can try swapping with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make them a day in advance—they taste even better the next day.

Do I have to use nuts?

Nope! They’re totally optional.

A Fall Dessert Worth Falling For

If fall had a signature dessert (besides pie, of course), these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars would be strong contenders. They’ve got all the cozy spice and pumpkin goodness we crave this time of year, plus that oat-packed crumble that keeps us coming back for just one more bite.

Whether you’re baking for a party or just because it’s sweater weather, this is one pumpkin dessert recipe you’ll want on repeat. Happy baking, friends!

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.