Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars: A Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Idea

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When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing beats the aroma of pumpkin and spices baking in the oven. These Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars are everything you crave in a Thanksgiving dessert: rich, creamy, and satisfyingly sweet with a crunchy pecan topping. Imagine a bite that’s both silky from the cream cheese layer and full of comforting pumpkin flavor, all nestled on a buttery crust and finished with sticky maple syrup.

Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat to savor with a cup of coffee, these bars bring festive spirit to your dessert table. They’re easy to cut, easy to serve, and never fail to wow both kids and adults. Each bite tastes like Thanksgiving in dessert form, making these bars a must-bake for your next celebration.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars

Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars are the best of fall baking: creamy, warmly spiced, and finished with a sweet and nutty crunch. They’re easier than pie—literally!—and don’t require any complicated techniques. The layers of pumpkin, pecan, and cream cheese mean every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. Plus, they hold up well, so you can make them ahead and keep your holiday stress-free.

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What Makes These Bars a Thanksgiving Favorite?

Is it the pumpkin? The maple syrup? The way cream cheese swirls with the spiced filling? The answer is: all of the above! These bars combine the best elements of classic holiday desserts—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake—into one irresistible treat that’s sure to become a new family tradition.

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Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars

These bars are all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that bring autumn flavors to life. Each one plays a special role, from the warm spices to the creamy filling and crunchy topping.

• Pumpkin puree – The star ingredient! Pumpkin adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable fall flavor. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.
• Cream cheese – Gives the bars a luscious, creamy layer. It adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness.
• Pecans – For a crunchy, buttery topping. Toasted pecans bring out their nutty flavor and add a satisfying bite.
• Brown sugar – Adds caramel notes and helps the bars stay soft and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar – Used to sweeten both the filling and the cream cheese swirl.
• Unsalted butter – Binds the crust together and lends a rich taste throughout the bars.
• All-purpose flour – The base for the crust and the filling, giving structure to the bars.
• Eggs – Essential for binding everything together and creating a silky texture.
• Pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Pumpkin pie spice – A classic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for cozy, aromatic notes.
• Maple syrup – Optional but highly recommended for drizzling; it adds a finishing touch of sweetness and shine.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors, keeping the bars from tasting flat.

These pantry staples come together in a few easy steps to make a show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert.

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How To Make Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted). Mix until crumbly, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 large egg until smooth. Set aside for swirling later.

Step 3: Pumpkin Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top, then use a butter knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped) with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the pumpkin and cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the pecans are golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving, if desired.

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Serving and Storing Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars

This recipe yields about 16 generous bars, perfect for serving 12 to 16 people depending on portion size. For a dessert buffet, you can cut the bars smaller to serve more guests. They are delicious chilled or at room temperature, making them a convenient make-ahead option.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to a month; just wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars?

Fluffy Whipped Cream

A cloud of fresh whipped cream is a classic topping for pumpkin desserts.

Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds cool contrast to the spiced flavors.

Salted Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of caramel takes these bars over the top for true decadence.

Hot Coffee or Chai Tea

These warm drinks complement the bars’ spices and creaminess.

Apple Cider

For a festive touch, serve with a mug of hot or cold apple cider.

Fresh Berries

A handful of berries provides color, freshness, and a hint of tartness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices which may make the bars overly sweet or unbalanced.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

3. Can I make the bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better after chilling overnight, which lets the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.

4. Do I have to use pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or need a nut-free option, try using oats or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.

5. How do I get clean slices?
For the neatest bars, chill thoroughly and use a sharp, damp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

For more Thanksgiving dessert inspiration, check out our delicious Rainbow Smoothie Bowls, Lemon Cupcakes, and Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies—all perfect for sharing with friends and family!

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra maple syrup or try a different nut topping? Did you serve with whipped cream or ice cream?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bars bring together everything you love about Thanksgiving desserts in one easy, shareable treat. From their creamy filling to their crunchy pecan topping, they’re always a hit. Whip up a batch for your next holiday get-together and watch them disappear!

If you’re searching for more festive food ideas, discover new inspiration and daily recipes on our Meals We Share Pinterest page.

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