I just came back from a lovely fall visit to my parents in Wisconsin. There is something about a little bit of space that highlights the beauty of this season so much more than New York can. Now don’t get me wrong, Autumn in New York is magical, but Autumn in the Midwest won my heart this week. (And Hugo’s- proof of this at the end of the post!)
While there, I had the chance to do all sorts of fun fall activities like apple picking, the sweetest petting zoo, views of gorgeous fall foliage, and lots of autumn baking.
I first shared this recipe 3 years ago, but it needed a major makeover. I remember loving it’s simplicity, texture and delicious fall spices- and it didn’t disappoint! These bars are light and fluffy, with a creamy cheesecake-like swirl. They are really not too sweet at all which makes snacking on them way too easy. hey’re also super simple to pack up and tote around which makes them the perfect addition to bake sales, pot-lucks and other fall gatherings.
Oh and here is another thing I love about fall….heart eyes all around!
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1¾ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
- In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and 1½ cups sugar until smooth.
- Beat in 2 eggs, pumpkin, and ⅓ cup water, and vanilla until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. In another bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg; stir or beat into butter mixture until well blended. Spread batter evenly in a buttered and floured 10- by 15-inch baking pan.*
- In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, remaining egg, and remaining ¼ cup sugar until smooth.
- Drop cream cheese mixture in evenly spaced 1-tablespoon portions over batter. Pull a knife tip through filling to swirl slightly into batter.
- Bake in a 350° oven until center of pumpkin batter (not cream cheese mixture) springs back when touched, about 30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan, then cut into bars.
Source: MyRecipes.Com
bsweetdreaming says
yum! i’ve been dying to bake pumpkin things :) love your blog!
S.V. says
I love pumpkin and it is fall darn it it’s time for pumpkin treats!!!!! These will have to be a must make for me they look super yummy.
Erin says
I can’t wait to try these. My 6 year loves pumpkin anything, and he will think these are great!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
That’s funny! I had the same problem last year when there was a shortage in the pumpkin crop and you couldn’t find canned pumpkin anywhere. I ended up making pumpkin puree from scratch, because crazy enough pumpkins were everywhere despite the “shortage.” But when it finally hit the shelves again, man did I stock up!
[email protected] says
Oh I love pumpkin anything! These came out looking great.
Lacy says
Love the pumpkin recipes going around. These look amazing!! Yum!!
Claire says
Yay! I’m so excited for pumpkin recipes to start popping up on blogs. These bars look so good
Tina says
No big Kitchenaid Mixer yet-well put that on your Christmas list as a must have! These bars look tasty-I like that they are more cake like than most. Nothing says fall like pumpking and cream cheese.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
I’m with you, it’s still hot in Florida, but I don’t care! It’s fall in my apartment and kitchen! These pumpkin bars look SO good!
Sandra says
These look super yummy and definitely speak of fall.
Cucina49 says
Well, it’s definitely getting to be fall in Alaska, and I am ready for pumpkin–this looks like a great way to eat it. I’m a sucker for anything with cream cheese icing.
Wilde in the Kitchen says
Oooo, these are so delicious looking! Even though I’m not ready for summer to be over, I’m loving that I can find canned pumpkin again!
Kimberly (unrivaledkitch) says
beautiful! I can’t let go of summer just yet plus its still 95 degrees here. I’m seeing all the beautiful fall foods coming out and I know its coming, like it or not. It’ll be nice to turn on the oven again.
These are gorgeous. Stella is adorable!cheers
Samantha says
Come visit Minneapolis! But bring your fall sweater and warm smile; we have a frost warning tonight! And you’re always welcome to use my kitchen!
MrsJenB says
Yum! I’m with you – it’s the time for pumpkins and colorful leaves and sweaters. Once the calendar hits September I’m impatient for fall to hit. Well I’ve pinned this recipe so I can come back to it when pumpkin becomes available here – I don’t think it is yet. :(
Ivy Bliss says
Holy delicious! Autumn is my favorite time of year for everything – weather, outdoor beauty, and food! I am sure to make these!
Buzzed this for sure!
~Ivy
http://www.ivygrowsinthekitchen.blogspot.com
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I have been craving a pumpkin swirl cheesecake for awhile, but haven’t wanted to make an entire cheesecake. Now I want this and it’s less daunting to make!
Ally says
These look incredible! Exactly what sweet I’d love to indulge in during the fall.
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com/
lovebakerun says
I’m envisioning the cinnamon and spice smells warming up my kitchen in the Milwaukee already-cold. I’ve been on a pumpkin kick, and so it continues!
Desi says
Congrats on making Foodbuzz’s Top 9! I’m new to your blog and instantly fell in love. This is a great fall recipe right here. I am your newest follower :)
http://steaknpotatoeskindagurl.blogspot.com
Alex says
these look so good…and what a fun baby-sitting gig!
Christine's Pantry says
Congrats on Foodbuzz top 9!
kita says
Mmmm! These would make my step-mom so happy right now! These pumpkin cream cheese bars look to die for!
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
Oh I will take a batch please! I am saving this one to try out for sure! They look so yummy!!
Michelle Benoit (Chocolate Central) says
I love all things pumpkin, not as much as I love chocolate, but pumpkin is up high on my list of favorite treats. These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars look and sound soooo good. I’ll definitely be making these soon. Thanks for another great recipe.
Sarah Catherine says
These look really great and yummy, pumpkin and cream cheese are a match made in heaven. I can’t wait until my daughter is of the age where she can help bake goodies, what a great thing to share with your babysitee (if that’s even a word)!! :)
Anonymous says
These are absolutely delicious! Hubby and I have been eating away at this pan all week. I kicked the recipe up a notch, hope you dont mind.But I added teaspoonfuls of cranberry/cherry sauce ,just before I put the cream cheese on. I didnt have a 10 X 15 pan so I used a 9X12, which made it more like a cake, but still wonderful! I also decreased the sugar to 1 cup, as we are trying to watch our caloric intake. I find most recipes are still sweet enough with 1 c. of sugar to 2 cups of flour. But , thanks so much for sharing your recipe. We love it!
Melly says
These look amazing!!!! I need to run to the store for some cream cheese and then I must bake these!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
That is the cutest photo of Hugo! He has the biggest + brightest eyes. I just love him. And these bars?! Another love. So much deliciousness!
Bonny @ Clever hen says
YUM! Can’t wait to make them – I think tonight is the night.
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Theses bars look like the definition of fall!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I’m in love with these bars. Pumpkin and I are tight right now, and I love that you added a cream cheese swirl to the party. Pinned!!
Joanne says
THAT FACE. I love his fall enthusiasm. He definitely takes after his momma in that regard!
These bars sound dangerous. But totally like something I need in my life.
Dena Watson says
I had just spread the pumpkin mixture in the pan when I realized that I hadn’t used the vanilla yet. I re-read the instructions to find out where it should have been added only to find out that it’s missing from the instructions! I added some vanilla to the cream cheese mixture. I hope it turns out okay!!
Audra says
So sorry- I will fix it- they should have turned out just fine though :)
Dena Watson says
They turned out more than fine! They were absolutely delicious!!
jenn says
Hi there! I have a question about the pan size. I see you have an * next to the 10- by 15-inch baking pan. Is there a different sized pan that I can use with this? Thanks so much! Looking forward to whipping these up this weekend.
Audra says
Yes- thanks for pointing that out. You can use a 9×13 too!
jenn says
Thank you so much!