Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For a nutty twist, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. If you’re gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works for baking.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Set aside one cup of the cookie dough. Spread the remaining dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie dough in the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Dollop the reserved cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
As a tip from my experience, keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial since ovens can vary. The aroma will tempt you to take a peek, but try to resist opening the oven door often to maintain the perfect baking temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International