Go Back
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, our culinary focus shifts towards comforting, fall-inspired desserts that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of the season. Among the myriad of flavors that define autumn, pumpkin reigns supreme. This versatile ingredient is not only the star of classic pies but also shines in a variety of treats, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings and cozy family dinners alike. One such delightful creation is the Deliciously Decadent Pumpkin Maple Cream Cheese Bars, a dessert that expertly marries the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweet, earthy notes of maple syrup and the luscious creaminess of cream cheese.

Pumpkin Maple Cream Cheese Bars

Experience the flavors of fall with these deliciously decadent pumpkin maple cream cheese bars. This seasonal dessert combines creamy pumpkin filling, sweet maple syrup, and rich cream cheese, all nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family evenings, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and warmth. With easy-to-follow steps, it's time to create a treat that captures the essence of autumn and impresses everyone at the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

For the pumpkin filling:

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup maple syrup

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch of salt

For the topping:

¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Prepare the crust:

      - In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat until creamy.

        - Add the vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt; mix well.

          - Gradually add the flour until the mixture comes together and forms a soft dough.

            - Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

              Bake the crust:

                - Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

                  Make the pumpkin filling:

                    - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

                      - Add the pure pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

                        Assemble:

                          - Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

                            - If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the pumpkin filling.

                              Bake the bars:

                                - Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the pumpkin filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.

                                  Cool and serve:

                                    - Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

                                      - Cut into squares and drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.

                                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 16 bars