Pumpkin Streusel Bars: A Delightful Fall Treat

These pumpkin streusel bars are a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy graham cracker crust and spiced pumpkin filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

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Pumpkin streusel bar with streusel topping and white icing drizzle on a white plate

The Ultimate Pumpkin Streusel Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Streusel Bars

These pumpkin streusel bars combine a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling with the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spices. The crunchy streusel topping brings a delightful texture contrast. They’re not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making them an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Pumpkin streusel bar with streusel topping and white icing drizzle on a white plate

Key Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bars

To achieve the best pumpkin streusel bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

  • Crust: Graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
  • Filling: Cream cheese, white and brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, pure pumpkin, and eggs.
  • Topping: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, quick oats, and melted butter.

Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bars: Step-by-Step

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. This will create a deliciously crunchy base for your bars.

Making the Creamy Pumpkin Filling

While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the white and brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cornstarch. Mix in the vanilla extract and pure pumpkin. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Pour this luscious filling over your baked crust, ensuring an even layer.

Creating the Delicious Streusel Topping

In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This tasty streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweet finish to your bars.

Baking and Assembling Your Bars

Remove the pan with the filling from the oven and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center no longer wobbles when nudged. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.

Tips for Success and Variations

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

If you’re looking to customize your pumpkin streusel bars, consider substituting graham crumbs with digestive biscuit crumbs. For a gluten-free option, almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour. Remember, using full-fat brick-style cream cheese is vital for the best texture.

Achieving the Best Texture

For optimal texture, make sure to allow the bars to chill thoroughly. This step helps the filling set properly. Small streusel crumbles are recommended for easier slicing, ensuring every piece has a bit of that crunchy topping.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

To serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice them into squares, and drizzle with optional glaze or caramel sauce for an extra touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but they likely won’t last long!

FAQs

What ingredients do I need?

You will need graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, unsalted butter, cream cheese, white and brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, pure pumpkin, eggs, all-purpose flour, quick oats, and more for the optional glaze.

How long does it take to bake?

It takes about 60-65 minutes total: 10 minutes for the crust, 30 minutes for the filling, and 20-25 minutes for the streusel topping.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option or use cornstarch in place of flour if needed.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make these delightful pumpkin streusel bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest page for a plethora of delicious recipes and ideas. Enjoy sharing this creamy, spiced treat with friends and family!

Pumpkin streusel bar with streusel topping and white icing drizzle on a white plate

Pumpkin Streusel Bars: A Delightful Fall Treat

These Pumpkin Streusel Bars offer a delightful fall treat with a crunchy graham crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a spiced streusel topping. They are perfect for any autumn gathering or as a seasonal dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 15 bars
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch glass or ceramic pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted

Filling

  • 22 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 15 ounce can pure pumpkin
  • 3 large eggs room temperature

Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Glaze (Optional)

  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, leaving the oven on.
  • Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add white sugar, brown sugar, spices, and cornstarch. Mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Gradually add eggs one at a time until just combined, then pour the batter over the baked crust.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. While the filling bakes, prepare the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the filling. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden and the center is set.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set.
  • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice and serve, optionally drizzling with glaze or caramel sauce.

Notes

  • For best results, use full-fat brick-style cream cheese and pure pumpkin puree. Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with digestive biscuit crumbs, and cornstarch with flour. Homemade pumpkin pie spice can be made by combining 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and 1/8 tsp allspice. Small streusel crumbles are recommended for easier slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight cont

Notes

Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese; lite or spreadable varieties will not set properly. Use canned pure pumpkin puree; avoid pie filling or homemade puree due to liquid content variance. Graham crumbs can be substituted with digestive biscuit crumbs. Cornstarch can be substituted with flour. Homemade pumpkin pie spice: 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp allspice. Small streusel crumbles are recommended for easier slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword cheesecake bars, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, pumpkin streusel bars
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