Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl
Soft pumpkin bars with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese swirl perfect for an easy fall dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, melted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup, melted butter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup melted butter until crumbly. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the crust layer.
- Step 5: In another bowl, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until creamy. Drop spoonfuls over the pumpkin layer.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Pumpkin Pie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Swirl?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
