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
Scale
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
