Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe

Quick & Cozy Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Cozy autumn days bring out the magic in these delectable pumpkin streusel bars that melt right into your comfort zone.

Warm spices dance through each tender bite, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Crisp layers of buttery streusel contrast beautifully with soft pumpkin filling, promising pure indulgence.

Maple undertones weave through the dessert, hinting at nostalgic memories of harvest celebrations.

Bakers seeking a simple yet impressive treat will adore this straightforward recipe that comes together quickly.

Crumbly topping and rich pumpkin base combine to deliver a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice of these irresistible bars.

Creative Pumpkin Streusel Bar Options To Enjoy

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Streusel: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap butter with vegan margarine to create a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Squares: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly alternative.

How To Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bars Beautifully

  • Cozy Autumn Dessert Companion: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm pumpkin bars, creating a decadent contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a delightful morning treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.
  • Festive Party Platter: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for holiday gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy during family celebrations.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package in cute cellophane bags with a rustic twine bow for a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills.

Pumpkin Streusel Bars Storage Tips For You

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm bars at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and enhance flavor. Cover with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crisp.
  • Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed, but avoid overheating to maintain streusel crunch.

FAQs

  • What makes the streusel topping crisp and flavorful?

The combination of cold butter, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon creates a crumbly, sweet topping that adds texture and rich flavor to the pumpkin bars.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

While canned pumpkin is recommended for consistent results, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if it’s well-strained and has a similar consistency to canned puree.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars – it should come out clean with no wet batter, indicating the bars are fully cooked and ready to cool.

Why Pumpkin Streusel Bars Are Always Gone Fast

  • Breeze Through Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple mixing steps and straightforward instructions that make creating delicious treats a stress-free experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A universally loved dessert that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend treats.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with pumpkin and spices, transforming an ordinary dessert into a festive celebration of seasonal ingredients.
  • Quick Prep Magic: Requires minimal kitchen equipment and basic pantry ingredients, allowing you to whip up a delectable dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Full List Of Pumpkin Streusel Bar Ingredients

Pumpkin Bars Base:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth vegetable that provides rich flavor and moisture to the bars.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bars remain moist and soft.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure for the bars.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers classic autumn flavor with warm spice notes.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Streusel Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Oats, Cinnamon: Create a crunchy, sweet, and aromatic topping.
  • Cold Butter: Provides richness and helps create a crumbly texture for the streusel.

How To Make Pumpkin Streusel Bars With Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Wet Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Craft Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt

Whisk until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Develop Streusel Topping

In another bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Rolled oats
  • Ground cinnamon

Cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Sprinkle Streusel Generously

Distribute the streusel topping across the entire surface of the batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into square servings.

This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Clever Tips For Chewy Pumpkin Streusel Bars

  • Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance in your pumpkin bars.
  • Freeze butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting into streusel for extra-crispy, flaky topping that creates delightful crunch.
  • Check pumpkin puree consistency – too watery can make bars soggy, so drain excess liquid or use canned pure pumpkin.
  • Freshly ground pumpkin pie spice delivers more intense flavor compared to pre-mixed store-bought versions.
  • Let bars cool entirely before cutting to help them set and prevent crumbling, ensuring clean, beautiful squares.
Print
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Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent pumpkin streusel bars showcase autumn’s rich flavors with a buttery crust and crumbly topping. Warm spices and sweet pumpkin create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the pumpkin blend, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Create the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly granules.
  6. Transfer the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.
  7. Generously scatter the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of wet batter.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan to set the structure and enhance flavor melding.
  10. Once cooled, slice into square portions for serving.

Notes

  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-fat version that maintains moisture.
  • Try gluten-free flour blends to make these bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Toast the oats before adding to the streusel for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 204 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 155 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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