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pumpkin cream cheese cookie bars recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

Isabella C., a passionate food writer and recipe creator, smiling in a cozy kitchen while sharing her love for homemade dishes.Isabella C.
Decadent pumpkin cream cheese cookie bars with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, ideal for fall and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish greased
  • 1 Electric Mixer
  • 1 Mixing bowls various sizes

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter, creating a marbled effect.

Baking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving

  • Cut into squares and serve. These bars are delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Storage

  • Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Pro Tips: For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix evenly and bake consistently.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute gluten-free flour if needed. Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
How to Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pair with a warm beverage for a complete fall treat.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the batter a day in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Keyword cream cheese swirl desserts, fall baking recipes, pumpkin cream cheese cookie bars