Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars bring autumn’s warmth right into your kitchen with unexpected delight.
Layers of smooth cream cheese and fragrant spices create a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace.
Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising rich complexity in every single bite.
Baking these treats fills your home with incredible aromas that whisper of comfort and celebration.
Subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the deep, velvety pumpkin base.
Crisp graham cracker crusts add perfect texture against the silky filling.
You’ll want to savor each decadent square and share the magic with everyone around your table.
What Makes Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Special
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Crust Base:Filling Ingredients:Spice and Seasoning:Optional Topping:How to Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Baking Station
Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine:Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid, even base for your cheesecake bars.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Blend
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth.
Gradually add sugar and blend until completely incorporated.
Step 4: Create the Pumpkin Magic
Fold in these dreamy ingredients:Stir until everything is beautifully combined and no streaks remain.
Step 5: Layer and Smooth
Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a perfectly smooth top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and looks slightly firm when gently shaken.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut into beautiful bars. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Enjoy your spectacular pumpkin cheesecake bars!
Tips for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Success
Variations for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Delightfully
Storing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Properly
FAQs
Look for a slightly jiggly center that’s mostly set. The edges should be lightly golden, and when you gently shake the pan, the middle should have a slight wobble but not be liquid.
Yes, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnap cookies for a different flavor profile.
Cracks often happen due to overbaking or sudden temperature changes. Avoid overmixing, bake at the recommended temperature, and let the bars cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open.
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Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich, velvety textures. Layers of spiced pumpkin and smooth cream cheese promise a delightful dessert that will transport you to seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese
- 15 ounces (425 grams) canned pumpkin
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
Baking and Spice Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the dish to create a uniform crust layer.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and completely smooth, gradually incorporating sugar until well integrated.
- Gently fold in pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended without overmixing.
- Carefully pour the creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a flat surface.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center and minimal jiggling when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop optimal flavor and texture.
- Once chilled and firm, slice into elegant bars and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for an optional decorative touch.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Create a lower-calorie option by using reduced-fat cream cheese and replacing some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to complement the pumpkin pie spice.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake texture and even baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett
Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling
Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.