Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering bars, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or coconut sugar as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar. Remember, the key to great baking is making it your own!
Instructions
The process of making these bars is as enjoyable as the end result. Let’s get started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crumb base in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, covering the cream cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking will be nothing short of heavenly!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International