Pumpkin cream cheese dream bars

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars — these are rich, creamy, and perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet pumpkin treat. I’ll break it down carefully so it’s easy to follow.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping (Streusel):

• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.

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Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla.

2. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until crumbly but holds together when pressed.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Layer

1. In a medium bowl, combine:

   • 1 cup pumpkin puree

   • 1/2 cup sugar

   • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

   • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

   • 1/4 tsp ginger

   • 1/8 tsp cloves (optional)

   • 1 egg

2. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

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Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat together:

   • 8 oz cream cheese

   • 1/3 cup sugar

   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

2. Beat until smooth and creamy.

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Step 5: Layer the Bars

1. Spoon the pumpkin mixture evenly over the baked crust.

2. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer.

3. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin to create a marbled effect.

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Step 6: Optional Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • 1/2 cup flour

   • 1/4 cup brown sugar

   • 1/4 cup sugar

   • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

   • 1/4 cup cold butter cubes

2. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

3. Sprinkle over the top of the layered pan.

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Step 7: Bake

1. Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the top is lightly golden.

2. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.

3. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours for easier slicing.

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Step 8: Serve

1. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang.

2. Cut into squares (about 9-12 bars).

3. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

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Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.

• Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer or the swirl—it can deflate.

• Bars taste even better the next day after flavors meld.