Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars!

You know how certain desserts just feel like a cozy hug on a chilly fall day? Well, that’s exactly how I feel about Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars. Now, let me set the scene for you. It was one of those crisp, early-October afternoons when the leaves were just starting to blush with shades of gold and crimson. My little boy and I were at the local pumpkin patch, you know, doing the whole pumpkin-picking, hayride-riding, cider-sipping experience. Total autumn bliss.

On the way home, with our trunk crammed with pumpkins and our fingers sticky from too many caramel apples, my kiddo asked if we could bake something “super pumpkin-y” when we got home. And like any good mom, I accepted the challenge. I wanted something that would hit all the right notes — creamy, sweet, spiced, and oh-so-satisfying. And that’s when I remembered Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars.

Now, I’ve always had a soft spot for Paula Deen’s dessert recipes. They’re indulgent, comforting, and never shy away from butter. And let’s be real, when you’ve got a recipe that combines creamy cheesecake-style filling with rich, spiced pumpkin goodness? Yeah, you know you’ve got a winner. So, we whipped up a batch that evening, and let me tell you, the smell wafting from my kitchen was pure pumpkin-spice heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Creamy Meets Spicy Perfection: These pumpkin cream cheese bars have that irresistible combo of smooth, tangy cream cheese swirled through rich, spiced pumpkin. The flavors just dance together beautifully.
2. Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something about pumpkin desserts that feels like wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket. These bars are like a warm hug straight from the oven.
3. Easy to Make: Despite their impressive taste, these bars are surprisingly simple to whip up. They take just 20 minutes of prep time, which is a huge win for busy moms like me.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dessert table or a casual family dinner, these bars are always a hit. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can resist them.
5. Versatile Recipe: You can make these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, turn them into pumpkin magic bars by adding some chocolate chips, or even go the healthier route with gluten-free pumpkin bars.
6. Perfectly Portable: They’re easy to slice and pack up for school lunches, bake sales, or just a sweet treat on the go.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

For the Pumpkin Base:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Large mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
• Spatula

Cooking Instructions for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
2. Make the Pumpkin Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. Add in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and everything’s well incorporated.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer and use a knife to gently swirl the two together. Don’t overdo it — you want those gorgeous swirls to shine.
5. Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should look set, but slightly soft is fine.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut.

Notes

1. Add Some Crunch: If you love a little texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
2. Go Healthy-ish: Swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or oat flour to make healthy pumpkin bars.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this a gluten-free pumpkin bars recipe.
4. Make-Ahead Magic: These bars actually taste even better the next day after they’ve chilled in the fridge. Perfect for making ahead of time.
5. Add a Frosting Touch: If you’re a fan of pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, whip up a quick batch and spread it over the cooled bars for an extra creamy layer.
6. Storage Tips: Keep these pumpkin squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully if you want to save some for later.

Macronutrients Count Per Serving

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fats: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any lumps.
2. Use Pure Pumpkin: Don’t accidentally grab pumpkin pie filling. Pure pumpkin puree is what gives these bars their rich, authentic flavor.
3. Chill for Better Flavor: These bars taste even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Customize Your Swirls: When swirling the cream cheese mixture, use a toothpick or butter knife and go slow to create beautiful, defined swirls.
5. Add Crunch: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
6. Portion Control: If you’re trying to keep things a little healthier, slice the bars into smaller portions — they’re still just as satisfying.

Pumpkin Bars Q & A Corner

1. What Can I Serve With These Bars?
   • These pumpkin bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. How Can I Make This Recipe Even Easier?
   • Swap the homemade pumpkin base for a boxed spice cake mix. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a quick fix when you’re pressed for time.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
   • Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free baking blend.
4. How Do I Store These Bars?
   • Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months — just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I Add Extra Toppings?
   • Yes! Feel free to drizzle some caramel sauce or even sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking for a fun twist.