Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy—perfection isn’t the goal here.
- Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part—waiting while your kitchen smells like a fall wonderland.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars, recipe, cooking, food
