Celebrate the cozy flavors of fall with these Spiced Pumpkin Parfait Bars. Perfectly layered with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy pumpkin filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The base of these bars is a simple crust made from crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. The graham crackers provide a sweet, toasty foundation, while the butter holds everything together, adding a rich flavor. Pumpkin puree is the star of the filling, bringing that quintessential fall taste and a smooth texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix, while ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warm, aromatic spices that complement the pumpkin. Cream cheese is softened and blended to add creaminess and a slight tang, balanced by the subtle sweetness of vanilla extract. Finally, a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor, and whipped topping lightens the filling, ensuring a smooth, airy texture.
These parfait bars are delightful with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. For a festive touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or top with a few candied pecans. Pair them with a spiced chai latte or a glass of cold apple cider for a cozy treat.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, grease an 8x8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until you have a sandy, cohesive mixture. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared dish, making sure the crust is compact and even for a firm base.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and you have a uniform orange filling. Next, add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures no lumps of cream cheese remain. Gently fold in the whipped topping, taking care not to deflate it too much, as this will keep your filling light and fluffy.
Pour the pumpkin mixture over your prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the dish. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to hold their shape when sliced.
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