These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars perfectly blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie. The crunchy graham cracker crust adds texture, while the light, fluffy topping balances the dense pumpkin layer.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Prepare the pumpkin layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and heavy cream. Pour this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until the pumpkin layer is set. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Finish and serve: Spread whipped cream on top and garnish with crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans if desired. Slice into bars and enjoy!
