Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars are the perfect fall dessert! They combine the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s like a pumpkin pie crossed with cheesecake, and it’s absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Layer:

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and slightly wet.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Pumpkin Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the baked graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or heavy cream. Beat until combined and smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer, then use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin layer, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Bars:
- Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The bars should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
Serve:
- Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and serve. You can garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Tips & Variations:

Spice it up: Feel free to add more spice or adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons.
Crust variations: For a twist, you can use biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers in place of the graham crackers for a slightly different flavor.
Make it a cheesecake: If you want the bars to have a more cheesecake-like texture, add ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the pumpkin mixture for extra creaminess.
Make-ahead: These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time, and they actually taste even better after they’ve had time to set and chill in the fridge!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a rich and decadent treat.
These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any fall get-together.

Enjoy your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars! These bars are sure to become a favorite fall dessert with their creamy texture, spiced pumpkin flavor, and buttery crust.

Let me know how they turn out or if you’d like any variations!