Description
Scrumptious pumpkin gooey bars deliver classic autumn comfort with layered graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling. Rich spices and sweet pumpkin create irresistible dessert bars you cannot stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 6 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (114g) pure pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1¼ tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cake Base: Blend sugar, egg yolk, and melted butter until smooth. Incorporate flour mixture, folding gently to create a uniform batter. Press evenly into prepared pan, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pumpkin Cream Layer: Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Gradually add egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour pumpkin mixture over cake base, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake in oven center for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and slight central wobble.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for one hour. Refrigerate uncovered for 3-4 hours to ensure complete setting.
- Finishing: Slice into precise squares with a clean knife, wiping blade between cuts. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking pan meticulously with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal and clean slicing.
- Temperature Matters: Keep oven precisely at 350°F to guarantee even baking and prevent over-browning of delicate layers.
- Texture Tip: Mix cake batter gently to avoid tough texture; fold ingredients until just combined for a tender, light base.
- Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate bars for minimum 3-4 hours to allow complete setting and develop rich, decadent flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg