Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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

  • Craft with Ease: These bars require minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners who want to impress friends and family with a delightful dessert.
  • Seasonal Sensation: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, these bars capture the cozy essence of autumn, ideal for holiday gatherings and fall celebrations.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these bars in under an hour, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious treat everyone will love.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate the bars in advance, allowing you to plan ahead for parties or enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation that fits busy lifestyles.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic cookie base that provides a crunchy foundation for the bars.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base that gives the bars their signature cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Provides overall sweetness to the filling.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings classic autumn flavor and rich orange color to the dessert.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, set texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Add warm, traditional fall flavors to the cheesecake bars.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Optional Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a light, creamy finishing touch to the dessert.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

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:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

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:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

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

  • Chill the cheesecake bars completely before cutting to get clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert without compromising flavor.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup after baking.

Variations for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Pumpkin Squares: Substitute graham crackers with crushed pecans or almond meal, use monk sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Keto Friendly Option: Use cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and sugar substitute like erythritol, replacing traditional crust with a nut-based alternative to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Delightfully

  • Fall Harvest Party Treat: Create a dessert bar with these pumpkin cheesecake bars as the centerpiece, surrounded by seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins and autumn leaves.
  • Cozy Thanksgiving Finale: Serve these bars on elegant dessert plates with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making them the perfect end to a family gathering.
  • Afternoon Coffee Companion: Pair these bars with a warm spiced latte or hot apple cider for a delightful mid-day sweet break that captures the essence of autumn comfort.
  • Gifting Goodness: Package individual bars in cute clear wrap with a rustic twine bow, perfect for sharing with neighbors or bringing to a potluck as a homemade treat.

Storing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Properly

  • Store leftover pumpkin cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Place a layer of parchment paper between stacked bars to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
  • Freeze bars for longer storage by wrapping each bar separately in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

  • How do I know if my cheesecake bars are fully baked?

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.

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnap cookies for a different flavor profile.

  • Why is my cheesecake bars cracking on top?

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

Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. 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.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and completely smooth, gradually incorporating sugar until well integrated.
  4. Gently fold in pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended without overmixing.
  5. Carefully pour the creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a flat surface.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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.

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