Delicious Pumpkin Streusel Bars with Cinnamon Oat Topping are a fall-inspired dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with a warm, crunchy streusel topping.
These bars offer the perfect balance of soft, spiced pumpkin filling and a crumbly, cinnamon-oat topping that adds just the right amount of texture. The pumpkin provides a velvety smooth base, while the streusel adds a delightful sweetness and crunch. These bars are the ideal treat for cozy fall days, and they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from Thanksgiving to casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or simply looking for a dessert that screams autumn, these bars will hit the spot!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cooling rack
Ingredients Overview
The pumpkin filling is made from canned pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The streusel topping is a simple blend of oats, flour, butter, and cinnamon, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth pumpkin layer. A dash of vanilla in both the filling and topping brings everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth and well combined. - Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture forms a crumbly texture. - Assemble the Bars
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the pumpkin filling, ensuring an even layer. - Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done. - Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves in the filling according to your taste. You can also use pumpkin pie spice for a more simplified version.
- Texture: If you want a softer, smoother texture for the pumpkin layer, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk to the filling.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These pumpkin streusel bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. A warm cup of spiced cider or coffee would also pair beautifully with these fall-inspired treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the pumpkin filling and streusel topping.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Serving Suggestions
For a cozy, fall dessert, serve these pumpkin streusel bars with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for added sweetness and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with the streusel mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and the streusel is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Streusel Bars with Cinnamon Oat Topping
Ingredients
- For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with the streusel mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and the streusel is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
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