Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Creamy, decadent pumpkin cheesecake bars offer a delightful twist on classic autumn desserts.

Layers of rich, velvety filling nestle between a buttery graham cracker crust and a sprinkle of warm spices.

Fall baking becomes an irresistible adventure with this simple yet impressive treat.

Imagine cutting through the smooth, silky surface to reveal a perfect balance of pumpkin and cream cheese.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance across your palate, creating a sensory experience that feels like a cozy embrace.

Each bite promises comfort and indulgence without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Storing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to protect their texture.
• Refrigerate pumpkin cheesecake bars for up to 5 days, keeping them chilled to preserve their creamy consistency.
• Avoid freezing as the texture might become watery and lose its smooth, rich quality when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with other cookies like gingersnaps or digestive biscuits for a unique flavor twist.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center with set edges. The bars should not be completely liquid but have a gentle wobble when gently shaken.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie alternatives and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Is it possible to freeze pumpkin cheesecake bars?

Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Flavor Profile

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These pumpkin cheesecake bars deliver a perfect blend of creamy texture and seasonal spices that will wow everyone at gatherings.
• Simplify Baking with Minimal Steps: Requiring just basic mixing and standard baking techniques, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking treat.
• Celebrate Autumn Flavors: Packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin, these bars capture the essence of fall in every delectable bite, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Dessert Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to plan ahead for potlucks, family dinners, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, solid crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy ingredient that gives cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a classic autumn flavor and beautiful orange color to the cheesecake bars.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: These warm spices contribute a traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile and create a cozy, seasonal taste.

Step-By-Step Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture for a silky texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure to reach all corners of the pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight. The chilling helps the bars set perfectly and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into square or rectangular pieces.

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.

Tips for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Ensure graham cracker crust is firmly packed to prevent crumbling when cutting bars.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Check doneness by gently shaking the pan – center should slightly jiggle but not be liquid.
• Chill bars completely before slicing for clean, precise cuts and better flavor development.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version of the dessert.

Creative Spins on Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Dessert: Substitute graham crackers with crushed pecans, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cardamom to enhance the warm seasonal flavors of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Harvest Party Platter: Slice bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks, maple leaves, and whole pecans for a festive autumn presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Café Style: Dust bars with powdered sugar, drizzle caramel sauce, and serve on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
• Friendsgiving Crowd Pleaser: Cut bars into triangles, stack on a tiered serving plate, garnish with candied pecans, and place small decorative autumn leaves between layers for a stunning display.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper, tie with twine, and include a handwritten recipe card for a charming homemade treat perfect for gifting.

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich, velvety textures. Spiced graham cracker crust and silky filling create a delightful dessert you’ll crave throughout the season.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Base:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Gently fold in pumpkin puree, incorporating eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and warm autumn spices until the mixture is uniform and silky.
5. Carefully pour the spiced pumpkin cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center while edges appear set and slightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, then transfer to refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 3 hours.
8. Once thoroughly chilled, lift from pan using parchment paper edges and slice into clean, precise bars using a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients incorporate more evenly and prevent curdling.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie dessert option that still tastes delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg