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Pumpkin Streusel Bars

Deliciously moist pumpkin bars topped with a crispy oat streusel create the perfect fall dessert. These bars combine warm spices with the natural sweetness of pumpkin for a treat that’s ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with coffee.

 

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the 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 Baking Pan
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Proper preparation of the pan will ensure the bars don’t stick and can be easily removed after baking.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
  4. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, homogeneous mixture without any lumps.
  5. Combine the Dry Ingredients
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
  7. Create the Pumpkin Batter
  8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the bars tough rather than tender.
  9. Make the Streusel Topping
  10. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and cinnamon for the streusel. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
  11. Pour Batter into Pan
  12. Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners, creating a level surface for consistent baking.
  13. Add the Streusel Layer
  14. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the pumpkin batter, covering the entire surface to create a delicious crunchy top layer that will contrast beautifully with the soft cake beneath.
  15. Bake to Perfection
  16. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The streusel should be golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
  17. Cool Before Cutting
  18. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and giving them the perfect texture.

Notes

  • For an extra special treat, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can enhance the flavor by adding cream cheese to the batter for a richer taste. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
  • Author: bestfeed
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg