Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (180g) gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar
- 0.25 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 16 oz (450g) brick cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
- 0.75 cup (150g) coconut sugar
- 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree
- 2 large (100g) eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vanilla extract
- 1.5 tsp (4g) ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp (1g) ground ginger
- 0.25 tsp (0.5g) ground cloves
- 0.25 tsp (1.5g) salt
Instructions:
- Combine the gingersnap crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x9 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt on medium-low speed until completely smooth.
- Gradually add the coconut sugar and vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Slowly fold the pumpkin mixture into the cream cheese base.
- Lower the mixer to the lowest setting. Add eggs one at a time, mixing for only 15-30 seconds per egg until just combined.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 65 minutes or until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours to set the structure before slicing into 24 squares.