Pumpkin Apple Streusel Bars
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Base:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie mix
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup neutral oil like vegetable or canola
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter cubed
Optional Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Mix the Pumpkin Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Add the Apple Layer:
- Toss chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the pumpkin layer.
Make the Streusel:
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until streusel is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool completely before glazing.
Maple Glaze (Optional):
- Whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
Notes
- You can sub apples with pears for a twist!
- Want extra crunch? Toss in chopped pecans with the streusel.
- No maple syrup? Use milk + a drop of vanilla for a simple glaze.