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Creamy Salted Caramel Pumpkin Bars: Easy Fall Dessert

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These creamy salted caramel pumpkin bars feature a spiced pumpkin base, a tangy cream cheese swirl, and a rich salted caramel drizzle. They are an easy, crowd-pleasing fall dessert that balances sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) store-bought caramel sauce
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in pumpkin puree.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter. Gently swirl with a knife or skewer to create ribbons.
  8. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden and center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 2 hours) to set.
  11. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  12. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overbake; the center should have a slight jiggle as it firms up while cooling. For best texture, serve at room temperature. Can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bars, salted caramel, cream cheese, fall dessert, easy baking, pumpkin puree, holiday dessert, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/creamy-salted-caramel-pumpkin-bars-easy-fall-dessert/