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To make these tasty bars, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger These ingredients create a rich and creamy treat that everyone will love. For an extra special touch, consider adding: - Whipped cream for topping This brings a nice creaminess and makes each bite more delightful. If you don't have some ingredients, here are a few swaps: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. - Swap the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. - You can use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a lighter version. These substitutions can still give you a great taste while fitting your needs. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt Next, pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix it well until it looks like wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your baking dish. This will be your crust. In another bowl, mix together: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup softened cream cheese - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Stir until smooth and creamy. This filling will bring rich flavor to your bars. Spread it evenly over the crust you just made. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and the center should set. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. After cooling, slice them into squares. For a special touch, you can add whipped cream on top before serving. To get a great texture, use softened cream cheese. This helps it mix well. A smooth filling is key for those creamy bites. Make sure your pumpkin puree is not too watery. If it is, drain some excess moisture. This keeps the bars from getting soggy. One common mistake is undercooking the bars. Check them at 25 minutes. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean. If the center wobbles, give it more time. Avoid pressing the crust too hard. This can make it dense and tough. Just press it gently, enough to hold together. Greasing the dish helps the bars come out easily. Use unsalted butter or baking spray. Coat the bottom and sides well. This prevents sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper. This makes lifting the bars out much easier. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sugar in this recipe. Brown sugar gives a deep flavor. If you prefer, try using coconut sugar. It adds a nice caramel note. You can also use granulated sugar for a lighter taste. Each type of sugar can change the taste slightly. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best. Spices can bring out the best in your bars. While cinnamon and nutmeg are great, consider adding more. A pinch of allspice can give warmth. You can also add cloves for a stronger flavor. Ground ginger is another nice addition. Just a little brings a fresh kick. Don't be afraid to mix and match! When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit! A sprinkle of crushed nuts can add crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. You can also drizzle caramel on top for sweetness. For a fun twist, use mini chocolate chips in the filling. They melt and create a creamy surprise. You might even want to top with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a light and fluffy touch! To keep your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layered Bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help them stay moist and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing them up. If you cut the bars, place parchment paper between layers. This prevents them from sticking together. You can freeze these bars if you want to save some for later. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air. They will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take out what you need. To reheat your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layered Bars, take them out of the fridge or freezer. If they are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick warm-up, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about ten to fifteen seconds. This makes the cream cheese filling soft and creamy again. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes. Enjoy them warm! Yes, you can make these bars a day before. They taste even better after resting. Just let them cool and cover them tightly. Store them in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend well. If you lack cream cheese, use mascarpone or Greek yogurt. Both options give a creamy texture. You can also blend silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice for a dairy-free choice. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they still work well. These bars last for about 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This helps them stay fresh and tasty. If you see any mold or off smells, discard them. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can make delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layered Bars with easy steps and simple tips. We covered the key ingredients, how to prepare the crust, and create the filling. I shared tips to get the best texture and avoid mistakes. You learned various ways to store and reheat your bars and answered common FAQs. Enjoy your baking journey and have fun with flavors and options. Your treats will impress friends and family!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layered Bars

Indulge in the fall flavors with these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layered Bars! Perfectly spiced and irresistibly creamy, these bars are a must-try for your next gathering. Simple ingredients come together for a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and shares the warmth of pumpkin season. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat your taste buds to a sweet autumn experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Optional: Whipped cream for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

      Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

        In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and ground ginger until smooth and well combined.

          Spread the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.

            Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

              Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.

                For serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar for an extra touch of creaminess.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 9 bars