Description
Creamy pumpkin cream cheese dream bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich, velvety textures that dance across your palate. Spiced layers of comfort promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor down to the last crumbly, sweet bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Sweeteners and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
- 1 large egg (for pumpkin layer)
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, creating extended edges for convenient bar removal.
- Craft the foundational crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture uniformly across the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue. Allow the crust to cool and settle.
- Construct the pumpkin mixture by whisking pumpkin puree with brown sugar, warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), and egg until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
- Develop the cream cheese component by vigorously beating cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until transforming into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Carefully distribute the pumpkin mixture across the cooled crust, ensuring an even layer. Tenderly dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture atop the pumpkin foundation.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the center stabilizes and edges turn a gentle golden tone. Rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to completely solidify.
- Finish by optionally crowning with whipped cream and chopped pecans. Slice into elegant bars and serve thoroughly chilled.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crust is firmly packed to create a sturdy base that prevents crumbling when cutting bars.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture in cream cheese layer.
- For gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain similar crumbly texture.
- Consider reducing sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, as pumpkin puree and cream cheese already provide natural richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg