Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Autumn Bliss

If there’s a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, it’s the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars. With a buttery crust, a luscious pumpkin filling, and a swirl of tangy cream cheese, these bars are indulgent yet comforting. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying that pumpkin craving. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making them from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Layer:

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.