Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars are a perfect dessert for fall, blending the richness of pumpkin with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, all on a soft, cookie-like base. These bars are packed with pumpkin flavor and topped with a creamy, sweet filling, making them the ultimate cozy treat. Here’s a recipe to help you make these dreamy bars!
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and form a thick, cookie dough-like mixture.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even base layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the base is slightly golden but not fully baked. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) together until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake base has cooled a little, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked base layer.
4. Prepare the Pumpkin Layer:
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
5. Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the pumpkin layer is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- The top should be slightly golden, and the edges may begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Optionally, dust with a little powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Chill for Better Texture: After baking, let the bars cool completely and chill them in the fridge for a few hours. The texture will firm up, making them even more delicious and easier to cut.
- Mix-ins: If you like, you can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top of the pumpkin layer before baking for a nice crunch.
- For a Spicy Kick: If you love spice, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the pumpkin layer.
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars are a combination of all the best fall flavors—soft, pumpkiny, and creamy with a hint of spice. They’re a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or when you just want a cozy, comforting treat. Would you like to try any extra toppings or variations on this recipe?
