Indulge in the delightful flavors of autumn with these pumpkin swirl bars. Perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering, these bars combine the rich taste of pumpkin with the creamy texture of swirled cream cheese. They are easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up pumpkin puree and cream cheese if you don't have them on hand. Make sure to get pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sweeteners.
Ingredients For Pumpkin Swirl Bars Recipe
Pumpkin puree: This is the base of the recipe, providing moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the pumpkin batter and the cream cheese swirl.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of both the pumpkin batter and the cream cheese swirl.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the pumpkin.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bars.
Cream cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy swirl that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin batter.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When swirling the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter, use a gentle hand to create a marbled effect. Overmixing can cause the two layers to blend too much, losing the distinct swirl pattern. A simple figure-eight motion with a knife or skewer can achieve a beautiful, artistic look.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a great alternative.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can reduce fat content while maintaining moisture in the bars.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other complementary spices like nutmeg and cloves.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bars denser.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a unique flavor, though it will change the consistency slightly.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can provide a different but complementary flavor to the bars.
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How To Store / Freeze These Bars
Allow the pumpkin swirl bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. Use an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
To freeze, first, cut the pumpkin swirl bars into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.
To refresh the texture, warm the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor and texture, making them taste freshly baked.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pumpkin swirl bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place a pumpkin swirl bar on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the bar with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.
- Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pumpkin swirl bars on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
- Cover the bars with another piece of foil to keep them moist.
- Heat for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the pumpkin swirl bars in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Place the pumpkin swirl bars in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until warmed through.
- Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the pumpkin swirl bars at the specified temperature.
9x13 inch baking pan: The container where the batter is poured and baked.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Utilized to mix the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Spatula: Helps in folding and mixing the batter thoroughly.
Hand mixer: Used to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Knife: Employed to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like pumpkin puree, sugar, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Toothpick: Used to check if the bars are baked through by inserting it into the center.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking before cutting them into pieces.
How to Save Time on Making These Bars
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before you start. This will streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a food processor to save time.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Soften cream cheese quickly: Microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds if it's not soft enough.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Pumpkin Swirl Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- 4 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ¾ cup All-purpose flour
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls over pumpkin batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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