Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the best in each other. You’ll want to choose fresh, quality spices and rich cream cheese to make these bars truly shine.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 egg (for cream cheese mixture)
If you’re missing pumpkin pie spice, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves from your spice rack. And if you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone is a lovely substitute that adds a touch of elegance.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 egg until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the pumpkin batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, then dollop the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bars, recipe, cooking, food
