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Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 45 reviews

Oh, if you’re a pumpkin lover like me, this Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe is about to become your new fall favorite. It’s that perfect combination of creamy pumpkin filling with a subtle pumpkin pie spice warmth, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a delightfully crunchy, spiced walnut streusel. Honestly, it’s like pumpkin pie and coffee cake had a delicious baby!

Whenever I bake these bars, they fill my kitchen with that cozy autumn scent that instantly lifts your mood. They’re ideal for potlucks, dessert trays, or even just an after-dinner treat to curl up with. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you’ll impress everyone without stress. Trust me, this Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe is definitely worth trying this season.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Balance: The crust, creamy filling, and crumbly streusel create layers that satisfy every bite.
  • Simple, Real Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and canned pumpkin for accessible, fuss-free baking.
  • Flavor Harmony: Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon in the streusel add a warm holiday feel without overpowering.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings or a cozy treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to pull together.
The image shows a close-up of a single square slice of a dessert bar resting on an orange napkin. The dessert bar has two main layers: a dense, light brown bottom layer with a slightly grainy texture, and a thicker, more textured top layer in a darker brown shade. The top layer is sprinkled with small, glossy walnut pieces scattered unevenly across the surface, adding a bumpy texture. The background includes a soft white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holding a fork can be barely seen in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe plays a key role in creating its unique flavor and texture. From the graham cracker crust that offers a sturdy, buttery base to the rich pumpkin filling that’s smooth and fragrant, you’ll appreciate how these simple components come together beautifully.

  • Graham crackers: Crushed finely, they form a sweet, crisp crust that holds everything together.
  • Butter: Melted for the crust and cold cubed for the streusel – it adds richness and helps bind ingredients.
  • Eggs: They help set the filling so it’s creamy but firm enough to cut into perfect bars.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin filling without overshadowing the natural flavors.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: The aromatic blend brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient – smooth, moist, and packed with fall flavor.
  • Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess to the filling without making it too heavy.
  • Flour (for streusel): Gives the topping structure and helps create that crumbly texture.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel note to the streusel topping.
  • Cinnamon: Spices up the walnut streusel, pairing perfectly with pumpkin.
  • Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast that I love.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients based on what’s in my kitchen or mood I’m in. Feel free to personalize it; no one knows your taste better than you do!

  • Variation: I sometimes substitute pecans for walnuts for a softer crunch, which adds a lovely buttery note I really enjoy.
  • Dietary Modification: Using coconut oil instead of butter works well if you’re dairy-free, though I recommend cold solid coconut oil for the streusel to maintain crumbly texture.
  • Extra Spice Kick: If you love warm spices, sprinkle a bit of ground ginger or nutmeg into the filling for a deeper flavor.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar slightly depending on your preference— I usually keep it balanced so the pumpkin flavor shines through without being too sweet.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Crust Base

Start by warming your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you need it. Crush the graham crackers finely— I like to toss them in a zip-top bag and gently pound with a rolling pin, but a food processor works perfectly too. Mix those crumbs with melted butter until everything’s moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch pan. I find using the base of a glass helps get an even, compact crust, which is key for a good bar that’ll hold together.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, beat your eggs and sugar until just combined— no need to overbeat here. Add the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, salt, and pumpkin pie spice, then mix gently until you get a smooth, homogenous filling. Pour this luscious mixture right over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Crafting the Spiced Walnut Streusel

Now, in a separate bowl, toss together the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the cinnamon and chopped walnuts last, then sprinkle this heavenly streusel evenly over the pumpkin filling. This topping adds that perfect crunchy contrast you’ll absolutely love.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake your pan for about 35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan— it’s tempting to dive in early, but cooling helps the filling to set and makes slicing much cleaner. Patience pays off here, trust me.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe

  • Even Crust Press: Press the graham cracker crust evenly and firmly to prevent crumbling when slicing.
  • Cold Butter for Streusel: Using cold butter in cubes helps create that perfect crumbly texture without melting into the topping.
  • Don’t Overbake: The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center to keep it creamy; overbaking dries it out.
  • Complete Cooling: Let bars cool fully before slicing to ensure neat, clean pieces.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe

A close-up of a slice of baked dish showing two layers: the bottom layer is light brown, soft, and spongy with a smooth texture, while the top layer is a chunky mix of golden brown caramelized nuts glistening with syrup. A silver fork is gently pressing into the slice on the left side. The slice sits on a white plate with an orange cloth underneath, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish, or sometimes dolloping whipped cream alongside each bar if I’m serving a crowd. A tiny drizzle of caramel sauce can add a special touch when I want to impress guests without too much extra work.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or your favorite coffee. I also enjoy serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I’ve arranged these bars on rustic wooden trays with cinnamon sticks and miniature pumpkins as decoration — such a cozy centerpiece. For holiday parties, cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging on tiered dessert stands really makes them shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. The graham cracker crust might soften a bit but trust me, it still tastes fantastic.

Freezing

Good news: these bars freeze wonderfully. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes, which refreshes the texture and warms the spices beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

    Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender and puree it until smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has a higher water content, so you might want to strain off excess liquid or reduce the amount of evaporated milk slightly to keep the filling from becoming too runny.

  2. What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

    You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half for a richer bar. For dairy-free options, unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk work well, though the filling may be a bit lighter in texture.

  3. How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the filling?

    Make sure your butter for the streusel is cold and the topping mixture stays crumbly rather than wet. Sprinkle the streusel gently over the filling, and avoid pressing it down. This helps it bake into a crisp, distinct layer.

  4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

    Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make yet tastes like you pulled off something truly impressive. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—whether it’s for a cozy night in or sharing with friends over coffee. Give it a go, and I’m sure you’ll have fall flavors filling your home in the best way!

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Pumpkin Bars with Spiced Walnut Streusel Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delightful pumpkin bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, spicy pumpkin filling, and a buttery walnut streusel topping, perfect for an autumn treat or festive dessert.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 12 graham crackers, crushed
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

For the streusel:

  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it is ready for baking the pumpkin bars.
  2. Prepare crust: In a 9×13-inch pan, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Mix thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Set aside.
  3. Make filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar until combined. Add the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix all ingredients well until smooth.
  4. Assemble filling: Pour the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the pan.
  5. Prepare streusel topping: In a clean bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cinnamon and chopped walnuts to complete the topping.
  6. Add topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the pumpkin filling in the pan.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin seeds.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a fresher flavor, if available.
  • Ensure butter for the streusel is cold to create a crumbly texture.
  • Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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