Pumpkin Gooey Bars Ingredients: Spice Cake: 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (160g) 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g) 1 large egg yolk 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g) Pumpkin Layer: 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180g) 1 large egg, room temperature 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (114g) 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Directions: Prep and Preheat: Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare Spice Cake: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolk, and melted butter until combined. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated and thickened. Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan, reaching all corners. Prepare Pumpkin Layer: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about a minute until smooth. Scrape down the bowl, then add the egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, and beat until smooth and creamy. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the spice cake layer, spreading it evenly. Bake in the center of the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly (not liquid). Cool and Set: Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack for one hour. Then transfer the pan to the fridge (uncovered) and chill for 3-4 hours. Cut and Serve: Use a large, sharp knife to cut the bars, wiping the blade between each cut for clean slices. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. Prep Time: 20 minutes Baking Time: 30 minutes Cooling Time: 4-5 hours Total Time: 5 hours Kcal: 280 kcal per bar Servings: 16 bars These Pumpkin Gooey Bars bring the warmth of fall into every bite with a soft, spiced cake layer topped with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer. Each bar is perfectly gooey and delicious, making them an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. The pumpkin and cream cheese filling is rich and comforting, blending perfectly with the hint of spice in the cake base. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, these bars capture the essence of autumn in a chilled, creamy dessert. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Pumpkin Gooey Bars are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering or family dinner.
