Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars

Name: Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Cuisine: Comfort Food Desserts, Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients: 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar, divided; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, cubed; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

I made these for a church function once and they turned out to be a big hit. There was barely a crumb left on the platter after everyone dug in. I love this dessert because it tastes light, smooth, and nutty. —Kim Chambers, Laurelton, New York

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, cubed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in oats and pecans. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, spices and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in pumpkin and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over warm crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and filling is set. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Serve within 2 hours or refrigerate, covered.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 196 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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Reviews

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Average Rating:

Lorilyn

Nov 17, 2019

Thank you so much for sharing this one. My mom used to make these. She passed away a few years ago, and although she gave me LOTS of her recipes, this is one I missed. Such a comfort food for me, in so many ways. The smell almost brings her back. :) Bless you and YUM!!!
karen

Nov 9, 2019

Baking now and smells divine. It makes a lot. Anybody know if these freeze well?
Kathleen

Nov 5, 2019

Delicious! Everyone loved them. I baked them about 10 minutes longer than recipe called for.
Fernbend

Nov 24, 2017

Made these exactly to recipe (which is what I always do before posting a review) and they turned out great and were a big hit at Thanksgiving. Loved the unusual spices. They were even better the next day. Thank you Kim!
ErinRobb

Feb 2, 2014

Blah! That is all I have to say.....never making again!
violetcharity

Dec 8, 2013

Made these for a church potluck and they were gone in like 5 minutes. I was asked to share the recipe.I have made traditional pumpkin bars for years for my family and now these are their favorite.
whats2eat

Nov 28, 2013

I didn't have cardamom on hand but made these anyway, was disappointed, not much flavor, half the pan went to waste, maybe cardamom would have made a big difference.
linsvin

Nov 15, 2013

These were very good and I liked the change of using a little cardamom. Cardamom is a very expensive spice but it gives just the right flavor to these wonderful tasting bars.
LindaS_WI

Oct 30, 2013

I've made these bars a couple of times, slightly tweaking the recipe each time, just because I can't help myself. As is it's fantastic, but I've also used mashed sweet potatoes and they're equally delicious. I've also eliminated the spices and used orange zest for a "cleaner" flavor and everyone loved that, too. Lots of options and they all taste great.
KB-GF

Oct 28, 2013

I made these exactly as directed. MH loved them. I personally would prefer more spice and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Will be making for MH for Thanksgiving. I have to say that for 1 can of pumpkin you sure get more dessert than you would for a pie. Great for a crowd!