Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bars

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 8 oz cream cheese, softened For this recipe, accurate measurements matter. Here are some cup conversions: - 1 cup = 8 ounces - ½ cup = 4 ounces - ⅓ cup = about 2.67 ounces You can add optional toppings like chopped pecans for extra crunch. They add great flavor and texture. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both work well in this recipe. For dairy-free alternatives, try vegan cream cheese. It gives a similar taste and texture without the dairy. First, you need to prep your baking pan. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps the bars come out easily. Next, line the bottom with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Now, take a medium bowl. Whisk together the following dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon salt Mix them well. This step helps the flavors blend and ensures even baking. In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until everything is smooth. This pumpkin mixture gives your bars that delicious flavor. In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until creamy. Add ⅓ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Now, drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin layer. This creates a pretty marble effect. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the pumpkin batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out. Then, cut into squares and enjoy! To get the right texture, avoid a few common mistakes. First, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to keep the bars light. If you mix too much, they can become dense. Second, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly into the batter. Lastly, check your oven temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the edges before the center cooks. These bars taste great on their own, but they shine with a few pairings. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra delight. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch, too. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle more chopped pecans on each piece. Each option adds fun flavors and textures. To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay good in the fridge for about five days. For longer storage, freeze them in individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. You can enjoy them later without losing flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the spices to suit your taste. Try using allspice for a warm kick. Cardamom adds a unique twist too. You can even mix in some vanilla bean for added flavor depth. Consider using pumpkin pie spice if you want an easy option. This spice mix gives a classic pumpkin taste in one scoop. If you want a vegan version, swap the cream cheese. Use a plant-based cream cheese instead. Look for brands that are rich and creamy. For eggs, use flaxseed meal. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens, and use it in place of each egg. Fall is about more than just pumpkin. You can add apple or pear to your bars for a fresh taste. Chopped apples bring sweetness and crunch. Adding a touch of maple syrup can give a nice autumn flavor. Try mixing in some cranberries for a tart burst. These changes can take your dessert from good to great! To keep your Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any odd smells, it’s time to toss them. If you want to save your bars for later, freezing is a great option. Start by cutting them into squares. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn. You can store them for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain their soft texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat each square for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture! To check if your bars are done, use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bars are ready. It’s important not to overbake them, as this can make them dry. You want them soft and moist, with a slight bounce. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake and cool them completely. After that, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing. Just thaw them in the fridge when you are ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings. If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can use other options. Mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well. You can also use applesauce for a different flavor. Just make sure the texture is similar to pumpkin puree. This keeps your bars soft and moist. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bars. You learned about key ingredients, measurement details, and how to consider allergies. We also walked through step-by-step instructions and shared ways to achieve the perfect texture. Remember, these bars are flexible with flavor variations and easy to store. Enjoy creating your delicious pumpkin treats, and don’t hesitate to experiment!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bars that combine the warmth of fall spices with a creamy twist. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a scrumptious dessert that everyone will adore. Don't wait to satisfy your sweet tooth—click through to discover the full recipe and start baking these mouthwatering bars today!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)

¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and the additional teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin layer, creating a marble effect.

If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added crunch.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 16