Gooey Pumpkin Caramel Crunch Bars with Bourbon Cream Cheese Glaze

Name: Gooey Pumpkin Caramel Crunch Bars with Bourbon Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 16-24 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened, plus 2 tbsp for caramel; 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel); 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies (about 12 cookies); 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze); 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional); 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for glaze)

These decadent Pumpkin Caramel Crunch Bars are a celebration of fall flavors, combining a soft, spiced pumpkin cake layer with a luscious, gooey caramel-pecan crunch topping. Crowned with a rich bourbon cream cheese glaze, they're the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert for any autumn gathering.

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 1 hr 15 min
Makes: 16-24 bars

Ingredients

Check off each one as you gather it.

Instructions

01
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
02
Beat in pumpkin puree, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

03
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

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