Pumpkin Cheesecake Gingerbread Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Gingerbread Bars - A Delicious Dessert Delight!
Looking for a scrumptious dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin, cheesecake, and gingerbread? Look no further than these delectable Pumpkin Cheesecake Gingerbread Bars! This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to family dinners.
Ingredients (serves 12):

For the Gingerbread Crust:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure to soften the butter and cream cheese before starting the recipe.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them to prevent them from falling apart.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the softened butter, molasses, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
6. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the gingerbread crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Appearance and Taste:
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Gingerbread Bars are a beautiful combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and spicy gingerbread. The crust is firm and slightly chewy, while the filling is smooth and velvety. The bars are topped with a light dusting of cinnamon, adding a warm and cozy flavor to the dish. These bars are perfect for any fall or winter occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Type of Dish: Dessert Bars
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Cheesecake, Gingerbread