Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars—soft, creamy, and perfect for fall 🍂🎃

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🎃 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

⏱ Time

• Prep: ~20 minutes

• Bake: ~45–50 minutes

• Chill: 1–2 hours (recommended)

• Total: ~2½ hours

🍽 Yield

• About 16–20 bars (depending on how you cut them)

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🧈 Ingredients

Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  (about 10–11 full graham cracker sheets, crushed)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

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Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Pumpkin Layer

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)

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🔥 Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it

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2. Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix:

   • Graham cracker crumbs

   • Sugar

   • Melted butter

2. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand

3. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan (use a spoon or measuring cup)

4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly

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3. Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth

2. Add sugar and mix until creamy

3. Beat in egg and vanilla until fully combined

4. Gently spread this layer over the warm crust

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4. Pumpkin Layer

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • Pumpkin purée

   • Granulated sugar

   • Brown sugar

2. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth

3. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt

4. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk until smooth

5. Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer

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5. Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes

• The center should be set but slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools)

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6. Cool & Chill

1. Let bars cool at room temperature for about 1 hour

2. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before slicing for best texture

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✨ Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream

• Powdered sugar dusting

• Caramel drizzle

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

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🧊 Storage

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

• These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months

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