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Creamy Pumpkin Delight Bars

As the cool breeze of autumn rolls in, nothing says fall like the comforting taste of pumpkin spice. These Creamy Pumpkin Delight Bars are the perfect treat to welcome the season. With a crunchy gingersnap crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a spiced pumpkin topping, these bars are the epitome of fall desserts. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these bars are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

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Ingredients

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Creamy Pumpkin Delight Bars

Introduction

As the cool breeze of autumn rolls in, nothing says fall like the comforting taste of pumpkin spice. These Creamy Pumpkin Delight Bars are the perfect treat to welcome the season. With a crunchy gingersnap crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a spiced pumpkin topping, these bars are the epitome of fall desserts. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these bars are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Before we dive into this delicious recipe, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more seasonal delights and baking inspirations delivered right to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Perfect Fall Dessert

These bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin. The gingersnap crust adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy layers above. It’s like enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie and cheesecake all in one!

Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the bars are baked in a 9×13-inch pan, so you get plenty to share—or keep all to yourself!

Versatile and Customizable

These pumpkin bars are delicious as is, but you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Add a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of pecans, or even a dash of extra spices to make them your own.

Ingredients List

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups ginger snap cookies, crushed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Mixture Layer:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Topping:

  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed ginger snaps

Necessary Tools for Preparation

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed ginger snap cookies and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the gingersnap mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly.
  4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth layer.

Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture Layer:

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir until the spices are fully incorporated into the pumpkin puree.
  2. Spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to create an even, smooth layer on top.

Bake:

  1. Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly firm to the touch.
  2. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to fully set and develop their flavors.

Add the Topping:

  1. Just before serving, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed ginger snaps for added texture and flavor.

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