Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars: A Perfectly Spiced Fall Treat

Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars are a delicious and moist autumn dessert, blending the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a buttery crumb topping. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you're craving the rich flavors of pumpkin pie in a simpler, handheld form. With a tender pumpkin base topped with a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar crumbs, this dessert is both satisfying and easy to make.

Photo bypinterest

The secret to these bars is the combination of pumpkin puree and sour cream, which creates a light yet flavorful base. The crumb topping, made with a mix of butter, sugars, and cinnamon, provides a delightful contrast in texture. These bars are finished with a simple glaze, adding just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spiced pumpkin.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars

These Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars offer the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining a soft and moist pumpkin layer with a crisp and buttery crumb topping. The subtle tang from the sour cream complements the warm pumpkin pie spices, making each bite rich and flavorful. They're easy to prepare, and the addition of a glaze elevates this dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The Origins of Pumpkin Desserts

Pumpkin-based desserts have long been a staple of autumnal and holiday cuisine, particularly in North America where pumpkin pie is an iconic dish. These crumb bars take the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie and transform them into a more casual, yet equally delicious, dessert option. The addition of sour cream to the batter adds a slight tang, enhancing the pumpkin’s natural sweetness while keeping the bars moist and tender.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 16 Bars)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 120mg

Photo bypinterest

Cooking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars

When making the crumb topping, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the bars, which helps it maintain a cohesive, crumbly texture. For the pumpkin layer, be sure to beat the mixture until light and fluffy to ensure a tender crumb. When applying the crumb topping, start from the edges and work toward the center to prevent the weight of the crumbs from sinking into the batter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds to restore its soft, crumbly texture. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm before serving.

Photo bypinterest

Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the crumb topping:

• 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp table salt
• 1 ¾ cups (7 oz) cake flour

For the bars:

• 1 ½ cups (6 oz) cake flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• ½ cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. To make the topping: Melt the butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Stir in the cake flour with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms a thick dough. Let the crumb topping cool to room temperature while preparing the bars.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges of the pan. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick baking spray.
3. To make the bars: In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake flour, pumpkin pie spice, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed to combine. Add the softened butter, one piece at a time, and continue mixing until the mixture resembles moist crumbs with no visible butter chunks, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla to the mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, or until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Break apart the crumb topping with your fingers into pea-sized pieces and evenly distribute them over the batter, starting from the edges and working towards the center.
6. Bake the bars for 32 to 37 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing them from the pan by lifting the foil.
7. To make the glaze: Sift the confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl and whisk in the heavy cream until the glaze is smooth and thick but still pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing them into 16 squares and serving.

These Pumpkin Sour Cream Crumb Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a handheld, easy-to-make dessert. The warm spices and buttery crumb topping make them a treat that's hard to resist.