Description
These Pumpkin Gooey Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy pumpkin-infused cream cheese layer, topped with melted dark chocolate chips and toasted coconut for a gooey, rich dessert perfect for the fall season or any time you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup pumpkin butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Topping
- 1½ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1½ cups unsweetened, flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: Place the softened cream cheese into the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Beat on medium speed until the filling is smooth, creamy, well combined, and free of lumps.
- Assemble and bake first layer: Pour the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Add coconut and finish baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the flaked coconut over the chocolate chip layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the coconut is golden and the center of the bars is just barely jiggly but mostly firm.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, chill in the refrigerator overnight before slicing into 16 to 20 bars. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature on a dessert plate.
Notes
- Using softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
- Pressing the crust firmly will help it hold together after baking.
- The bars are best when chilled overnight for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor.
- You can store these bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- These bars have a rich, gooey texture with a slight jiggle indicating perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if 20 bars total)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
