Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
Try this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars recipe.
Try this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars recipe.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 6 tablespoons organic grass fed butter
- 1 1/2 cups organic rapadura or evaporated cane juice
- 3 large organic cage free eggs
- 1 cup organic canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 3/4 cups organic gluten free flour (i used 1 cup of homemad 1/2 cup of organic coconut flour, and 1/4 cup ground flax seed. or use your favorite blend)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 8 ounce package organic cream cheese (or make your own)
- Carbohydrate 0.992973333207065 g
- Cholesterol 488.05 mg
- Fat 184.173249999977 g
- Fiber 0.0675666675198545 g
- Protein 1.95631333332284 g
- Saturated Fat 116.633112499988 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (230g)
- Sodium 1491.91099999991 mg
- Sugar 0.925406665687211 g
- Trans Fat 12.9068589999924 g
- Calories 1630 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Butter a 10x15 inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper)
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1 1/2 cups of the sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 of the eggs, the pumpkin and 1/4 cup of water and beat well.
- If you are using homemade oat flour, pulse about 2 cups of oats in a food processor until powdery, then measure out the amount you're going to use.
- In a different bowl, combine the flour(s) and flax seed and the baking powder and soda. Add the spice and stir well.
- On low speed, combine the dry ingredients with the pumpkin mixture. Increase the speed and beat well. If you're using oat, almond, or coconut flour, it helps to let the batter sit for about 20 minutes (but you can skip this step).
- Spread the pumpkin mixture in the prepared pan.
- Combine the cream cheese, the remaining egg, and 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl. Beat on high speed until creamy and fluffy.
- Drop the cream cheese mixture onto the pumpkin, about a tablespoonful at a time.
- Draw the tip of a knife (a butter knife works well) through the cream cheese, swirling it with the pumpkin mixture.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
My Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, but when I do, I want it to be worth it. These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars are my go-to recipe for satisfying my sweet tooth and impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, creamy texture combined with the warm spices of pumpkin is simply irresistible. It's the perfect balance of comforting and sophisticated, and best of all, it's incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I often adjust the flour blend depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use a pre-made gluten-free flour blend, other times I experiment with a combination of oat flour, almond flour, and coconut flour – each creating a slightly different texture and flavor profile. The homemade oat flour adds a delightful subtle nuttiness, while almond flour lends a lighter crumb. The key is to find the balance that works best for you and your taste preferences.
The cream cheese swirl is the star of the show. That creamy, tangy layer perfectly complements the warm pumpkin spice. I've tried various cream cheese variations, even experimenting with different types of sugars – organic rapadura or evaporated cane juice – to achieve the optimal sweetness. The result is a dessert that’s both decadent and subtly sweet, not overly sugary, a quality I appreciate greatly in a treat.
The process is straightforward, even for a novice baker. The recipe clearly outlines each step, guiding you from preheating the oven to the final baking and cooling. I've even found that allowing the batter to rest for a bit before baking helps to achieve a more even consistency. This is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dessert that doesn't require a lot of fuss.
These bars are incredibly versatile. They're perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or a potluck dessert. I’ve even taken them to work for a team meeting, and they were a huge hit. The portability is a huge plus – they travel well, holding their shape and texture remarkably well.
This recipe isn't just about creating a delicious dessert; it's about creating a moment of joy and connection. Whether you're sharing them with loved ones or simply enjoying them by yourself, these gluten-free pumpkin cream cheese bars offer a taste of home, comfort, and a touch of delightful indulgence. They're a reminder that even amid the demands of life, there's always room for a little something sweet to brighten your day. The delightful aroma fills the kitchen during baking, making the whole process feel more inviting and joyful.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. If you prefer a more intense pumpkin flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin puree. If you want a sweeter treat, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Experiment with different spices to personalize the flavor – a dash of nutmeg or ginger could add an extra layer of warmth and complexity. The recipe truly invites creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to customize it to suit your unique preferences.
I’ve found that the success of these bars hinges on using high-quality ingredients. Opting for organic and ethically sourced ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also supports sustainable practices. The richness of the organic butter and the vibrant color of the organic pumpkin puree contribute significantly to the overall appeal of the final product. It's a small investment that yields substantial rewards in terms of taste and satisfaction.
More than just a recipe, these bars are a testament to the power of simple pleasures and the joy of baking. They represent a moment of calm amid the chaos of everyday life, a chance to create something delicious and share it with those you care about. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice fill your kitchen as you embark on this satisfying baking adventure. The end result will be a delightful treat that will surely become a family favorite.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the overall presentation.
