Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the pumpkin puree, spices, and salt.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. While the pumpkin bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Once the pumpkin bars have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese filling over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 15g (8g saturated)
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g (22g sugar)
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and flavorful pumpkin bars
• Creamy and tangy cream cheese filling
• Perfect for a fall dessert
• Easy to make and budget-friendly

User Comments:

• "These pumpkin bars are out of this world! The cream cheese filling takes them to the next level."
• "I love the spices in these bars. They really make the pumpkin flavor pop."
• "These bars are so easy to make and always a hit with my guests."
• "Perfect for a fall potluck or Thanksgiving dessert."
• "The pumpkin bars are a bit sweet for me, but the cream cheese filling helps balance it out."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the pumpkin puree is unsweetened.
• Do not overbake the pumpkin bars, as they will become dry.
• Let the pumpkin bars cool slightly before spreading on the cream cheese filling.
• If you don't have a 9x13 inch pan, you can use a 10x10 inch pan or other similar-sized dish.