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
- 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