Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, wholesome treat that brings together the warm flavors of fall with a comforting texture, you simply must try these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares. Each bite offers a soft, hearty oat base layered with a luscious pumpkin filling, all topped with a golden, buttery crumble that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack, a festive dessert, or a hearty breakfast on the go, these squares promise to enchant your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on these Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares is a breeze when you have a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients at hand. Each component plays a crucial role — the oats bring chew and texture, the pumpkin purée adds moisture and that signature fall flavor, while the mix of butter and brown sugar creates a crave-worthy crumble topping that browns beautifully in the oven.

• 1 ½ cups Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture and wholesome flavor in the bars.
• 1 cup Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together without weighing down the crumble.
• ¾ cup Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• ¾ cup Butter, melted: Melting the butter ensures even mixing and lends a buttery richness to the crumble.
• 1 cup Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient for that smooth, earthy pumpkin taste that makes these squares so unique.
• ½ cup Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the pumpkin flavor while adding a subtle hint of maple.
• 1 tsp Pumpkin spice: A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that brings the autumn vibe.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you start assembling, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is perfectly hot so your crumble topping can bake to a golden-brown, crispy finish while the pumpkin filling sets deliciously in the center.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until you have a crumbly, slightly sticky mixture. This base will provide both the sturdy bottom layer and the irresistible crumble topping.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin purée with the maple syrup and pumpkin spice until smooth and well combined. This spiced filling is moist and flavorful, striking a perfect balance with the oat layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Take half of the oat crumble mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of a baking pan, creating an even base. Next, gently spread the pumpkin filling over the pressed oats in an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the pumpkin layer in chunks, creating the crumble topping that will bake into a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the pumpkin layer is set but still moist. Let the squares cool before slicing so they hold together nicely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares

Garnishes

For an extra touch of decadence, dust the squares lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect companion that enhances every bite’s creamy texture and mellow sweetness.

Side Dishes

These squares pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spicy chai tea, or a creamy latte. For a more substantial dessert plate, serve alongside roasted nuts or fresh autumn fruit like sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares into smaller bite-sized pieces for a delightful party platter, or layer them in a parfait glass alternating with vanilla yogurt and crushed nuts for a charming brunch presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the crumble crisp. For longer keeping, refrigeration is best.

Freezing

You can freeze these squares by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply reheat the squares in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until the crumble topping regains its crispness and the pumpkin filling is warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and makes this recipe even easier to pull together. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.

Is it possible to make these squares gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten sensitivity or celiac dietary needs.

How can I make the crumble topping crunchier?

Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the oat mixture. Also, baking a little longer while checking closely can help achieve an extra crunchy topping without burning it.

Can these bars be made vegan?

Definitely! Replace the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep the bars moist and crumbly. Also, check that your maple syrup and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

What’s the best pan size for baking these squares?

A standard 8×8 inch baking pan works great, yielding nice-sized squares that hold their shape well. If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner and might bake faster, so adjust baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble Squares are such a comforting, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. Packed with wholesome oats and the luscious taste of pumpkin, they’re an easy way to bring seasonal joy and satisfy your sweet tooth any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try making and sharing these squares — trust me, they’ll become a beloved staple before you know it!