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To make Pumpkin Crunch Cake Bars, you need key ingredients. Here they are: - 2 cups pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature These ingredients create a rich, moist base for your cake bars. You can add some optional ingredients for extra flavor: - 1 cup chopped pecans (for added crunch) Chopped pecans bring a nice texture and nutty taste. You can skip them if you prefer a simpler version. If you don’t have some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract to change the taste. - If you lack cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. These substitutions keep your bars delicious while fitting your pantry items. First, turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps the bars come out easily later. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. In another bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well. Gradually add this dry mix to the pumpkin mix. Stir gently and don’t overmix. If you want some crunch, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix until it is light and spreadable. Spoon dollops of this cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter. Take a knife or spatula and gently swirl it into the batter. This will create a beautiful marbled look. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean when the bars are done. Keep an eye on it towards the end so they do not overcook. After baking, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, slice the bars into squares and enjoy! To get the best texture, do not overmix your batter. Mix until just combined. This ensures your cake bars stay soft and moist. If you want extra crunch, add chopped pecans. They give a nice bite and contrast to the smooth pumpkin base. One common mistake is forgetting to preheat the oven. Always preheat to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This helps your bars cook evenly. Another mistake is not greasing your pan well. If the pan is not greased, your bars may stick. Lastly, avoid using cold cream cheese. It should be at room temperature for easy mixing. To boost flavor, try adding a bit of maple syrup to the pumpkin mixture. It adds a lovely depth. For presentation, dust the finished bars with powdered sugar. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes them look festive. Use a decorative platter to serve them, and your guests will be impressed! {{image_4}} To make gluten-free pumpkin crunch cake bars, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands work well in baking. Make sure the flour blend has xanthan gum for structure. Follow the rest of the recipe as is. You will still enjoy a soft, tasty treat without the gluten. To create a vegan version, swap out the eggs. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. Instead of cream cheese, use a vegan cream cheese or a coconut-based option. Make sure the sugar is vegan-friendly, too. These swaps keep the bars plant-based and delicious. You can play with flavors in your pumpkin crunch cake bars. Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Mix in some chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch. If you love spices, try adding cardamom or allspice. Each change adds a new layer of flavor to this simple recipe. To keep your Pumpkin Crunch Cake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. This will preserve the flavors and texture nicely. If you want to freeze these delicious bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps to keep them fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms them up nicely without drying them out. You can also enjoy them cold, as the flavors stay lovely even straight from the fridge. If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a tasty treat! To cut these cake bars, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. You can also run the knife under hot water before slicing. This helps prevent sticking. For even slices, measure and mark before cutting. Yes, you can make these bars ahead. They taste great after a day in the fridge. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw in the fridge before serving. Check if the bars are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The edges will look slightly golden, and the top will feel set. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Absolutely! Canned pumpkin works great in this recipe. It saves time and is easy to find. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. This ensures your bars have the right flavor and texture. You learned about making delicious Pumpkin Crunch Cake Bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step baking, and clever tips for the best results. You saw how to make gluten-free and vegan versions, plus how to store them properly. With these tips, you can create tasty bars that impress everyone. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy baking!

Pumpkin Crunch Cake Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Pumpkin Crunch Cake Bars that will delight your taste buds this fall! This easy recipe combines creamy pumpkin puree and warm spices for a tasty treat, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Click through to discover how to make these delightful bars and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chopped pecans (optional, for added crunch)

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon milk

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a whisk to mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well-blended and the mixture is smooth.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

        Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined—do not overmix.

          If using, fold in the chopped pecans for an extra layer of texture. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

            In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, continuing to mix until the cream cheese mixture is light and spreadable.

              Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter in the pan. With a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to watch closely towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking.

                  Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12-16

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the bars on a decorative platter. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the bars for a charming, festive touch!