Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dream Bars

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine crushed ginger snaps and melted butter. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool slightly.

2️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Layer

4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
5. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.

3️⃣ Add the Pumpkin Layer

7. In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
8. Gently spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it smoothly across the top.

4️⃣ Bake

• Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly firm.
• Allow bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure clean layers.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve