Fall treats recipes pumpkin apple crumble bars step by step

Fall treats recipes are the quickest way to make your kitchen feel like autumn. When the air turns crisp, people across the United States start baking with pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and warm spices. Meanwhile, in many parts of Europe, fruit based desserts and simple spiced bakes become a seasonal routine, often served with coffee or tea. Because the ingredients are familiar and comforting, fall baking feels both nostalgic and practical.

These pumpkin apple crumble bars fit right into that tradition. They borrow the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie and the homey sweetness of apple crumble, then turn it into a sliceable dessert you can pack, share, and serve anywhere. Also, the recipe uses one pan, so cleanup stays simple. In addition, the bars taste even better after a few hours, which makes them a smart make ahead treat for busy weekends, potlucks, or school events.

What makes this fall treats recipes idea special is the balance. The pumpkin layer is creamy and warmly spiced. The apples add texture and bright fruit flavor, so every bite feels fresh instead of heavy. Then the oat crumble works twice, first as a crust and then as the topping. As a result, you get a bakery style look without complicated steps.

If you want a cozy dessert that feels seasonal, yet still easy enough for everyday baking, this is it. You can keep it classic, or you can adjust it with simple swaps for gluten free or dairy free needs. Either way, these bars bring fall flavor in a form that is easy to love.

Ingredients

Pumpkin puree, 1 cup

Apples, 2 medium, peeled and diced, about 2 cups

Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon

Egg, 1 large

Brown sugar, 1 third cup

Maple syrup, 2 tablespoons

Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon

Ground cinnamon, 1 and a half teaspoons

Pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon

Salt, one quarter teaspoon

Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons

Old fashioned oats, 1 and a half cups

All purpose flour, 1 cup

Brown sugar, one half cup

Baking powder, one half teaspoon

Ground cinnamon, one half teaspoon

Salt, one half teaspoon

Unsalted butter, 10 tablespoons, melted and slightly cooled

Optional, chopped pecans or walnuts, one half cup

Optional, dried cranberries, one third cup

Equipment

8 by 8 inch baking pan

Parchment paper

Mixing bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Whisk

Rubber spatula

Knife and cutting board

Cooling rack

Step by step instructions

Step 1, preheat and prep

Heat the oven to 350 F. Line an 8 by 8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2, make the crumble

In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Next pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly. It should hold together when you press it in your hand.

Step 3, press the crust

Press about two thirds of the crumble firmly into the bottom of the pan. Take an extra minute here, because a firm crust helps the bars slice clean later.

Step 4, mix the pumpkin apple filling

In a second bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Then fold in diced apples and lemon juice.

Step 5, assemble

Spread the filling evenly over the crust. After that, sprinkle the remaining crumble over the top. Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries if you want extra texture.

Step 6, bake

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center looks set. The edges should bubble lightly. If the top browns fast, you can loosely cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7, cool and slice

Cool the bars in the pan for at least 1 hour. This step matters, because the filling sets as it cools. For cleaner slices, chill for 30 minutes, then lift out and cut into bars.

Tips for best results

Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, because softer apples can turn mushy.

Also dice apples evenly so they cook at the same pace.

Do not rush the cooling step, since warm bars will crumble.

If you want thicker bars, cut them into 9 squares instead of 12.

Easy variations

Gluten free option

Use certified gluten free oats and a gluten free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Dairy free option

Use melted coconut oil or a plant based butter instead of butter.

More spice

Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra warm fall aroma.

More crunch

Add pecans to the topping. You can also toast them briefly first for deeper flavor.

Storage and make ahead

These bars are great for make ahead fall treats recipes. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a softer texture, let a bar sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

To freeze, slice the bars and freeze in a single layer first, then store in a freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving ideas

Serve slightly warm with a spoon of Greek yogurt for a lighter dessert.

Or serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic fall combo.

For a party platter, cut smaller squares and stack them neatly, then add a light dusting of cinnamon on the plate.

Closing

Fall treats recipes are at their best when they feel cozy, simple, and shareable. These pumpkin apple crumble bars check every box, and they are flexible enough to fit your kitchen and your schedule. If you try them, share what apples you used and whether you added nuts or kept it classic. Your notes help other bakers, and they also make the recipe even better over time.