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
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the pumpkin blend, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- 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.
- Transfer the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.
- Generously scatter the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan to set the structure and enhance flavor melding.
- 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