Pumpkin Roll Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Pumpkin Roll Bars combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a creamy cheesecake swirl for a perfect fall treat. Moist, tender, and easy to make, they’re great for sharing or satisfying a seasonal craving.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar (for filling)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 egg (for filling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Beat the melted butter and 1 ½ cups sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and water, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 4: Spread about two-thirds of the pumpkin batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 5: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg together until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the pumpkin batter layer in the pan.
- Step 6: Dollop the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the pumpkin batter before baking.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices for convenience.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer filling and best texture.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing you to lift the bars out easily.
Storage
Store the pumpkin roll bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To serve after freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that can affect the flavor and texture of the bars.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The bars are done when the center springs back slightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Pumpkin Roll Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Roll Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin roll, featuring a moist pumpkin spiced cake layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. Swirled together and baked to perfection, these bars are perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert with warm autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Batter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Pumpkin Batter: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and 1 ½ cups sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and water until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined to form the pumpkin batter.
- Layer Pumpkin Batter: Spread about two-thirds of the pumpkin batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter layer in the pan.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Dollop the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the top layers together for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center springs back cleanly when touched.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor, or canned pumpkin puree if fresh is unavailable.
- Swirling the batter gently prevents the layers from fully mixing and creates a beautiful marbled effect.
- For crispier edges, you can bake a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid drying out the bars.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin roll bars, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese filling, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, autumn recipes, spiced pumpkin bars
