Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe

Gather ’round, fellow fall enthusiasts, because today we’re diving headfirst into a cozy kitchen adventure that perfectly captures the essence of autumn: Pumpkin Spice Crumble Bars. Let’s blend the heartwarming nostalgia of pumpkin pie with the irresistible charm of a crumbly, buttery crust—trust me, your taste buds are about to do their happy dance! 🎃🍂

I created a delightful recipe with these Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars, mixing the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the rich flavor of pumpkin puree. I adore the way unsalted butter and granulated sugar create a tender bar that’s got a cozy crumb, while oats give it a filling, heart-healthy touch.

My favorite part? The layer of luscious pumpkin spice jam that perfectly complements the autumn spices.

Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture; adds healthy fats.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars; provides structure and color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Base ingredient; provides structure and bulk.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture; rich in fiber and vitamins.
• Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens and adds a caramel-like depth.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet-spicy flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Rolled Oats: Gives texture; adds fiber and nutrients.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Optional; adds crunch, protein, and healthy fats.

Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1 cup pumpkin spice jam (or pumpkin butter)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How to Make this Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe

1. To a temperature of 350°F (175°C), preheat your oven and line a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches with parchment paper. Allow some overhang of the parchment paper so you can easily remove what’s in the baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until it all comes together.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

4. Two-thirds of the dough is pressed into the prepared baking dish, where it is formed into an even layer that serves as the base of the dish.

5. In a medium bowl, mix together the following ingredients: 1 cup (about 8 ounces) pumpkin puree, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. You may use a hand mixer on low speed, as I did, or mix by hand until smooth.

6. Spread the jam (or pumpkin butter) over the crust in the baking dish. Evenly spread the pumpkin on top of the jam layer.

Then, take a photo of the layers about to be baked. For the love of Instagram. For the love of your audience.

7. To the leftover dough, stir in the rolled oats and chopped nuts (if using). Crumble this mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.

8. Gently press down on the crumble topping to help it stick to the filling.

9. Cook for slightly longer than half an hour or for a time closer to three-quarters of an hour until the loaf’s upper crust has developed a handsome golden color and the interior has achieved a firm, set character.

10. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack and then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Cut them into servings.

Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Hand mixer or whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spatula or spoon
10. Wire cooling rack
11. Knife for cutting servings

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?You can indeed use salted butter; just make sure to tone down or leave out any added salt in the recipe so that the flavors remain balanced.
• Is there a substitute for pumpkin spice jam?If pumpkin spice jam isn’t available, you can substitute apple butter or a spiced apricot jam.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?You can indeed replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, just make sure it contains a binding agent—like xanthan gum—for the best results.
• Do I have to include nuts in the recipe?No, you can skip the nuts if you want a nut-free version. The nuts are optional.
• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?It is possible to lessen the quantity of sugar, but it might change the taste and texture. If you do reduce it, make sure to compensate with something else that will keep the final product from straying too far from a just-right-for-you sweet treat.
• How do I store the Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars?Keep the bars in a container that doesn’t let any air in at room temperature, and they’re good for up to three days. Put them in the fridge, and they last a week.
• Can I freeze these bars?Indeed, it is possible to freeze the bars. To do this, wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable plastic bag. Store the bars in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat one, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.

Pumpkin Spice Jam Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, may be replaced with 1 cup of coconut oil or 1 cup of vegetable shortening.
1 cup granulated sugar can be replaced with 1 cup cane sugar or 3/4 cup honey (though this will change the texture).
Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used in place of regular all-purpose flour in these amounts:

• 2 cups, for recipes that call for 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 3/4 cups, for recipes that call for 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour (though this may alter texture).
Substitute 1/4 teaspoon allspice or an additional 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
1 cup pumpkin spice jam (or pumpkin butter) can be
substituted with 1 cup apple butter or 1 cup of homemade spiced
pumpkin puree.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that the butter is fully softened to room temperature before beating it with the sugar. This will help achieve a better texture for the crust and topping.

2. Even Layering When spreading the pumpkin puree mixture over the jam layer, ensure it is even and reaches all the edges. This will ensure consistent flavor in every bite and avoid soggy spots.

3. Custom Spice Mix Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a bit more cinnamon or ginger can enhance the flavor profile if you prefer a spicier kick.

4. Crumble Texture When mixing the oats and nuts into the leftover dough, use your fingers to create a coarse, crumbly texture. This will result in a crispier topping.

5. Chill Before Cutting Once baked and cooled, consider chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will help them set further and yield cleaner slices for serving.