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Experience the essence of autumn with our Gooey Butter Pecan Pumpkin Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with a gooey filling and a buttery crust. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat, these bars are easy to prepare and will surely impress family and friends. In this article, we delve into the recipe, explore its delightful flavor profile, and provide tips on how to enjoy this seasonal favorite.

Gooey Butter Pecan Pumpkin Bars

Savor the essence of autumn with these Gooey Butter Pecan Pumpkin Bars, the perfect cozy dessert for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations. With their creamy pumpkin filling and buttery crust, they're not just easy to make, but also irresistibly comforting. These bars blend warm spices and crunchy pecans for a delightful treat that will warm your heart. Try them tonight, and dont forget to save this recipe for your upcoming festivities!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:

1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree

1 cup powdered sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.

    Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

      Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined.

        Add the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Then, gradually add this mixture to the pumpkin filling and mix until fully blended, ensuring there are no lumps remaining.

          Fold in pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the pumpkin mixture.

            Combine and bake: Pour the pumpkin filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft (it will puff up some during baking).

              Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, refrigerate for about 2 hours before cutting into squares. Serve warm or chilled, topped with additional pecans and whipped cream if desired.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 12 bars