Name: Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature; 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree; 1 cup full fat coconut milk or vegan cream; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re anything like me and adore all things pumpkin, you’re going to flip for this Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust hugging a luscious, silky pumpkin filling, all topped with a perfect crumble that’s just begging to be devoured. This recipe has become a fall favorite in my kitchen — it’s simple, comforting, and so versatile that it works for snacks, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon treat. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand all season long!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Texture: The crisp crumble atop a creamy pumpkin layer creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Vegan-Friendly without Sacrifice: Uses vegan butter and coconut milk for richness without compromising flavor.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Pantry staples come together to produce an impressive fall dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chilling time improves flavor and texture, making it easy to prep in advance.

Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars, pumpkin dessert, vegan fall treats, healthy pumpkin bars, easy vegan pumpkin recipes - A rectangular dessert with two main layers sits inside a white baking dish lined with beige parchment paper. The bottom layer is a dense, medium brown base, smooth in texture. The top layer is made of scattered crumbly pieces in pale yellow and off-white colors, giving a rough and irregular look. The edges of the parchment paper fold up and around the dessert, creating a soft border. The whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe have been carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and crumble. I usually shop for vegan butter that’s good for baking and try to grab organic canned pumpkin for the best taste.

Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars, pumpkin dessert, vegan fall treats, healthy pumpkin bars, easy vegan pumpkin recipes - Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, a neat pile of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a few tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice arranged as a vibrant orange-brown powder, a small white bowl of fine cornstarch, a small white bowl filled with smooth, bright orange pumpkin puree, a small white bowl containing creamy full fat coconut milk, a few pinches of salt scattered beside a small heap of coarse salt crystals, and a block of pale yellow vegan butter softened with creamy texture, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the crumbly texture for crust and topping.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right sweetness and helps with browning in the crumble.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Vegan butter: Gives richness and that classic buttery crumble everyone loves.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the filling with natural moisture and vibrant pumpkin flavor.
Full-fat coconut milk or vegan cream: Adds creaminess and depth to the pumpkin layer without dairy.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the pumpkin filling so it’s firm but creamy.
Brown sugar: Brings a warm molasses undertone to the filling’s sweetness.
Pumpkin pie spice: Essential for that cozy, spiced flavor we crave in fall.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to dial up the spice or swap out ingredients for what you have on hand, it’s totally a recipe that welcomes creativity.

Add nuts or seeds: I often sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Make it gluten-free: Switch the purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just be sure it works well for baking and crumble texture.
Spice it up: Sometimes I add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even fresh ginger for a more complex spice profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Crust and Crumble

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and either greasing or lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper — I personally love parchment for easy removal. Then, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Adding the softened vegan butter next, I stir with a wooden spoon or use an electric mixer just until it looks crumbly and combined. The texture should be loose but hold together when pressed. I always reserve about a cup of this mixture to sprinkle on top later.

Step 2: Pressing the Base

Next, I press the larger portion of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Here’s a little trick: I use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it firmly and evenly, which helps the crust stay together after baking.

Step 3: Making the Pumpkin Filling

My go-to method for the pumpkin layer is blending everything together—pumpkin puree, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—until silky smooth. Microwaving the coconut milk briefly if it’s separated or chunky makes blending easier, trust me on this. If you don’t have a blender handy, whisk vigorously by hand until smooth, just make sure the coconut milk is well incorporated.

Step 4: Assembling the Bars

Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust layer carefully, then evenly sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top. The contrast between the creamy pumpkin and crumbly topping is what makes these bars feel so special.

Step 5: Baking & Cooling

Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top. Don’t worry if the pumpkin layer wiggles a little when you jiggle the pan—that’s normal! It will firm up as it cools. After baking, let it cool on the counter for about 30 minutes before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours to set completely.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temperature Vegan Butter: Softening vegan butter properly helps it blend seamlessly and creates that crumbly texture essential for this recipe.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Allowing the bars to completely chill makes cutting cleaner and flavor richer.
Cornstarch Magic: I’ve learned cornstarch is key to keeping the pumpkin filling firm but creamy—not watery or runny.
Even Crumble Distribution: Spreading the topping evenly helps it bake uniformly, preventing some spots from being too thick or thin.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe

Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars, pumpkin dessert, vegan fall treats, healthy pumpkin bars, easy vegan pumpkin recipes - A stack of three square dessert bars is centered on a white plate resting on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a pale beige crust with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a thick, rich orange filling with a slightly bumpy surface, and the top layer is a crumbly, light beige streusel with small clusters and a rough texture. In the background, there is an out-of-focus bunch of bright orange flowers creating a warm, soft look. The photo has a clear, close-up focus on the dessert bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a dollop of vegan whipped cream right before serving—it adds that perfect lightness and extra indulgence. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just to make them feel extra special. For a decadent touch, a scoop of good-quality vegan vanilla ice cream never fails.

Side Dishes

Pairing Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars with a cup of hot spiced tea or warm apple cider makes for a cozy autumn afternoon. I also enjoy serving them with a simple green salad if you want a lighter dessert balance after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these bars beautifully on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh autumn leaves and tiny pumpkins—it instantly makes the table inviting! Cutting them into bite-sized squares with a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes for easy serving and adds a little festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to 5 days — perfect if you want to bake once and enjoy the week!

Freezing

These vegan pumpkin crumble bars freeze beautifully. I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready for a treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and they come out just as delicious.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up a bit, I recommend microwaving for just 10-15 seconds to soften without melting the crumble topping completely. That little warmth makes the pumpkin filling extra luscious!

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe nut-free?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t include nuts by default, so it’s naturally nut-free unless you add any as a topping. Just make sure your vegan butter and other ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities if you have allergies.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own blend with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. A teaspoon or two of cinnamon plus a pinch of the others will give you a wonderfully warm flavor.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can! But you’ll need to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin first until smooth. Make sure it’s well-drained and thick so the filling doesn’t get too watery.
How do I get clean bars when cutting?

Chilling the bars thoroughly is key. I also wipe my knife clean between cuts to keep slices neat and avoid smearing the pumpkin filling.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Bars Recipe feels like a warm hug in dessert form — comforting, satisfying, and easy to whip up whenever pumpkin cravings hit. I’ve shared this with friends and family who often tell me it’s their new favorite fall treat, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same. So invite a few loved ones over, make a batch, and savor every crumbly, spiced bite together. You deserve it!