Description
These Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars blend the comforting flavors of classic pumpkin pie with the nutty crunch of pecan sandies. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving at gatherings, these bars feature a whole wheat pastry crust, a smooth pumpkin filling, and a buttery pecan crumble topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crust & Topping:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Filling:
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a bowl, combine whole wheat pastry flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until ingredients are well mixed.
- Cut in Butter and Separate Mixture: Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the softened butter into the dry mixture until it forms small crumbly pieces. Remove ¾ cup of this crumb mixture and set aside; stir the chopped pecans into this portion to create the topping.
- Prepare Pumpkin Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Press the larger portion of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the bars.
- Serve: Once chilled, remove from the fridge and slice into 16 bars. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before cutting into the flour mixture.
- You can substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with all-purpose flour if preferred, though nutritional content will vary.
- Chilling the bars is crucial for clean slicing and proper firmness.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness up to 5 days.
- These bars can be made ahead and stored, making them great for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
