Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars: A Fall Dessert to Swoon Over

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn shades of red and gold, there’s no better time to indulge in a seasonal dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Enter Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars—a perfect blend of sweet, spiced pumpkin and creamy, tangy cream cheese, all nestled in a buttery, cookie-like crust. These bars are a dream come true for pumpkin lovers, offering the best of both worlds: the rich flavor of pumpkin pie combined with the smoothness of cheesecake.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, craving a cozy treat, or looking for a dessert to wow your friends and family, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars are sure to steal the show. They’re easy to make, full of autumn flavor, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

Perfect for Fall: The warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these bars the ultimate autumn dessert. They are everything you love about pumpkin pie but with an extra layer of creamy indulgence from the cheesecake filling.
Two Delicious Layers: The bars have a cookie crust that’s buttery and slightly sweet, creating the perfect base for the pumpkin filling and creamy cream cheese layer on top. The layers bake together beautifully, resulting in a texture that’s soft, creamy, and slightly dense—just like the best pumpkin dessert should be.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for a fall potluck, a Thanksgiving dinner, or just for family, these bars are always a hit. They have a rich flavor profile that appeals to everyone—kids and adults alike.
Easy to Make: While these bars may look elegant, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these indulgent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars:

For the Crust:

1 box (about 18 oz) yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for added flavor)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Pumpkin Layer:

1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, for extra spice)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

These bars come together in a few simple steps, with the most time-consuming part being the layering process. But trust us—it’s worth it! Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crust

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined, and the batter forms a thick dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use your fingers or a spoon to spread it into a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), salt, and cream (or evaporated milk). Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, spiced pumpkin layer that forms the bulk of the bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the flour, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the pumpkin filling over the prepared crust in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer in dollops. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin filling to create a marbled effect. Don’t mix it completely—this swirl effect is what gives these bars their signature “dreamy” look and texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges. A toothpick or cake tester should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The bars may slightly puff up as they bake, but they will settle as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. For an extra touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few chopped pecans or candied walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

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