Description
Gooey pumpkin bars blend classic autumn spices with rich cream cheese in a luxurious dessert. Creamy layers and buttery graham cracker crust create an irresistible treat you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (160g)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (114g)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and warming the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Create the foundational spice cake layer by whisking dry ingredients separately from wet components. Combine sugar, egg yolk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl until uniform. Gradually fold in flour mixture, ensuring thorough integration and maintaining a consistent texture.
- Gently press the cake batter into the prepared pan, meticulously spreading to cover all corners with an even layer.
- Craft the pumpkin cream layer using an electric mixer. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, gradually incorporating egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
- Delicately cascade the pumpkin mixture over the spice cake foundation, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Slide the pan into the oven’s center, baking for 25-30 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight wobble in the central region.
- Extract from oven and allow natural cooling on a wire rack for approximately one hour.
- Transfer to refrigerator, leaving uncovered, and chill for 3-4 hours to achieve optimal setting.
- Slice into precise squares using a clean, sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for crisp edges.
- Optional: Dust with a gentle veil of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Perfectly line your baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of these decadent bars.
- Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, even spice cake base that provides a sturdy foundation.
- Beat cream cheese mixture until silky and completely smooth, which guarantees a creamy, luxurious pumpkin layer without any unwanted chunks.
- Watch baking time carefully – edges should be set while center remains slightly jiggly to achieve the signature gooey texture.
- Chill bars completely in the refrigerator to help them set and develop deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
- Clean knife between cuts for picture-perfect, professional-looking dessert squares that are sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg