Decadent Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars: Your Ultimate Easy Fall & Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe

As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, our thoughts naturally turn to the comforting flavors of fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a truly irresistible dessert? These **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of autumn, a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, and a simple solution for anyone craving those quintessential fall flavors with an amazing, ooey-gooey consistency.

The Inspiration: A Last-Minute Thanksgiving Masterpiece

Sometimes, the best recipes are born out of necessity and a dash of creativity. This particular recipe for **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** came to life in a flurry of last-minute Thanksgiving preparations. Picture this: Thanksgiving dinner is fast approaching, and you’re tasked with bringing a show-stopping dessert. A quick glance at the pantry reveals a humble box of cake mix, a block of cream cheese, and some pumpkin puree. What to do?

Instead of panicking, inspiration struck! Why not take a beloved classic – the Gooey Cream Cheese Bars – and give it a delightful fall twist? The result? These pumpkin-infused beauties that taste like a harmonious blend of classic pumpkin pie and a rich, creamy cheesecake bar. It was truly a “learn-as-you-go” adventure, one that proved that simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. And yes, fighting off hungry family members before dinner became part of the process – a true testament to how delicious these bars are!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars

Beyond their charming origin story, these **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** offer numerous reasons to fall in love with them:

• Effortlessly Easy: With a shortcut cake mix crust, this recipe significantly cuts down on prep time, making it ideal for busy holidays or weeknight cravings.
• Decadent Fall Flavors: Every bite bursts with the warm, inviting tastes of pumpkin and pumpkin spice, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese.
• Irresistible Gooey Texture: The combination of the soft cake base and the creamy, almost custardy filling creates a texture that’s pure heaven – moist, rich, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they shine on your Thanksgiving dessert table, these bars are equally fantastic for potlucks, fall gatherings, or simply a cozy evening treat.
• Feed a Crowd: Baked in a large dish, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them a convenient option when you need to please many palates.

Gather Your Ingredients for Fall Perfection

Creating these delightful **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** requires a straightforward list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way humble components come together to form a spectacular dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble:

For the Cake Crust:

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix: This is our secret weapon for an easy, flavorful base. A yellow or white cake mix provides a neutral canvas that allows the pumpkin and spice flavors to truly shine.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! This adds moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor to the cake layer, enhancing the overall autumnal theme.
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice: The quintessential fall flavor enhancer! It infuses the cake crust with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• 1/2 cup softened butter (or 1 stick): Softened butter is crucial for incorporating smoothly into the cake mix, ensuring a tender, rich crust.

For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz block of cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature! This is key for a smooth, lump-free, and incredibly creamy filling.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that smooth, almost pourable consistency for the filling.
• Splash of vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that beautifully complements both the pumpkin and cream cheese.
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree: Again, pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. This small amount adds depth of flavor and a beautiful orange hue to the creamy filling.
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice: Another dose of this aromatic blend ensures the cream cheese layer is just as festive and flavorful as the cake base.

Crafting Your Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these irresistible **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars**. The process is divided into three simple stages: preparing the cake base, creating the creamy filling, and baking/chilling to perfection.

Step 1: Preparing the Flavorful Cake Base

Your journey to the perfect fall dessert begins with the foundation: a delightful cake crust. This layer provides a soft, moist base that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese filling.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly from the moment they enter the oven.
2. Combine the cake mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of yellow or white cake mix, 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup (one stick) of softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice.
3. Mix until just combined: Mix these ingredients until they are just combined and form a thick, dough-like mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease your chosen baking dish. You can use either a square (8×8 or 9×9 inch) or a rectangle (9×13 inch) dish. The choice of dish size will determine the thickness of your bars, but generally, you won’t need to adjust the cooking time significantly. For thicker, richer bars, opt for a smaller dish. For thinner, more bite-sized treats, a larger rectangular dish works well.
5. Spread the cake mixture: Evenly press the cake mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish. A spatula or your clean hands can help you spread it from edge to edge. This forms the delicious base of your pumpkin cream cheese bars.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Silky Cream Cheese Filling

Next comes the star of the show: the rich, creamy, and pumpkin-spiced cream cheese filling. This layer is what gives these bars their signature “gooey” and decadent quality.

6. Prepare a separate bowl: In another medium-sized mixing bowl, gather your ingredients for the filling.
7. Combine the filling ingredients: Add the 8 oz block of softened cream cheese, 4 cups of powdered sugar, the splash of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the bowl.
8. Mix until smooth: Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and a lot of arm strength!), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
9. Spread over the cake mixture: Carefully spread this creamy pumpkin cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the cake mixture in your baking dish. Take your time to cover the entire surface, creating a beautiful, uniform layer.

Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection and Chilling for the Best Texture

The final stage involves baking your bars to a golden perfection and then, crucially, chilling them to achieve that ideal firm-yet-gooey texture.

10. Bake in the preheated oven: Place the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes: Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The edges of the bars should be lightly golden, and the center should appear mostly set, though it might still have a slight wobble. Remember, different ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them!
12. Cool completely: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. This step is vital for the structure of the bars.
13. Chill before serving: For the best texture and clean slices, place the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Chilling helps the cream cheese layer firm up, making them much easier to cut and handle.

Tips for Success with Your Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars

Even with an easy recipe like this, a few extra tips can ensure your **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the cream cheese and butter, ensure they are properly softened to room temperature. This prevents lumps in your filling and ensures everything mixes smoothly for a velvety texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher crust. The same applies to the cream cheese filling; mix until smooth but don’t beat it excessively.
• Pan Size Flexibility: As mentioned, you can use an 8×8, 9×9, or 9×13 inch pan. An 8×8 or 9×9 will yield thicker, richer bars, while a 9×13 will result in thinner, more spreadable ones. All are delicious!
• The Importance of Chilling: Do not skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares and enhancing their overall texture and stability. Cold bars also taste incredibly refreshing.
• Clean Cuts: For perfectly clean slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth after each cut. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking and creating messy edges.
• Pure Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sweeteners that will alter the flavor profile of this recipe.

Variations to Elevate Your Fall Dessert

While these **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** are heavenly as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cream cheese layer before baking for an added layer of texture and flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle a generous amount of warm caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold some mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a delightful pumpkin-chocolate combination.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl: For an even more decadent touch, reserve a small portion of the cream cheese filling, and after spreading the main layer, dollop the reserved portion on top and swirl it with a knife for a marbled effect.
• Extra Spice: If you love a bolder spice profile, consider adding an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to either the cake base or the cream cheese filling.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Serve each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a truly elegant presentation.

Storage Instructions

These **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored to savor later:

• Countertop: While many baked goods can sit on the counter, due to the cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate these bars.
• Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They taste wonderful chilled!
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Why These Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars Will Become Your Fall Favorite

In a world of complicated holiday baking, these **Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars** stand out as a beacon of delicious simplicity. They embody everything we love about fall: the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice, the rich, creamy indulgence, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast or simply looking for an easy, festive dessert to brighten a casual autumn evening, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Their gooey texture and balanced flavors will make them a staple in your fall baking repertoire. Don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly – they’re just that good!

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Bars

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Additional Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Cake crust

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice
• 1/2 cup softened butter

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

• 8oz block of cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Splash of vanilla
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin, butter, and pumpkin spice. Spread into a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, pumpkin, powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. Spread over the top of the cake mixture.
4. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool completely then place in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 308Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 142mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 39gProtein: 2g

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