Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of fall with our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars. A buttery, spiced pumpkin layer sits atop a soft cream cheese filling, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both comforting and festive. These bars are ideal for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn gathering.
The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and velvety cream cheese makes each bite decadent yet easy to enjoy. Bake them ahead of time and serve chilled or at room temperature for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly. Press half the mixture into the prepared pan as the crust.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Prepare pumpkin layer: Mix pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the pumpkin layer. Bake for 35 minutes or until top is lightly golden and set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Serve: Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
- Substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a slightly different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
- Mini Pumpkin Muffins
- Classic Pumpkin Pie
- For more inspiration, check out Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars on AllRecipes
