Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Fall’s Tastiest Treat

Creamy, decadent pumpkin cheesecake bars bring autumn’s warmest comfort right to your plate.

Cozy spices dance through rich layers of smooth cream cheese and velvety pumpkin.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure with this delightful dessert that combines classic flavors in a modern twist.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen, promising pure indulgence with every bite.

Perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, these bars offer a luxurious treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch beneath silky pumpkin filling.

Treat yourself to a slice of seasonal happiness that celebrates fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars That Impresses

• Create Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spiced pumpkin treat that captures the cozy essence of autumn with every gooey, pull-apart bite.
• Master Baking Skills: Learn a delightful recipe that guides you through homemade dough-making, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning centerpiece dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or weekend breakfast celebrations where everyone can enjoy pulling apart the delicious, sugary pieces.
• Simple Customization: Adapt the recipe using store-bought dough for quick preparation or make from scratch for a more hands-on baking experience, suiting different skill levels and time constraints.

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the bars.
• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Essential binding and flavoring agents that enhance the crust's taste and texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a rich and creamy texture for the bars.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a smooth, autumnal flavor and vibrant orange color to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves, Salt: These spices create a warm, complex flavor profile that complements the pumpkin and cream cheese.

• Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, Chopped Nuts, Cinnamon: Delightful garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the pumpkin cheesecake bars.

Step-By-Step Directions For Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Cover a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build Crumbly Foundation

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until crumbs become perfectly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.

Step 3: Toast Crust Base

Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Pumpkin Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend until completely combined and velvety.

Step 5: Layer and Bake Cheesecake

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly across the surface. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center sets with a slight wobble.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Allow bars to cool completely inside the pan. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours before cutting to ensure perfect texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Slice into beautiful bars. Optionally top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Helpful Tips For Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper overhanging on sides for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Gently mix pumpkin cheesecake filling to prevent over-beating, which can cause cracks during baking.
• Cool bars completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect texture.
• Enhance flavor by toasting graham cracker crumbs briefly before mixing with butter for a deeper, nuttier crust base.

Flavorful Twists For Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bars: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup and fold in chopped pecans into the filling for a nutty, autumnal flavor profile.
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Create a rich chocolate swirl by adding melted dark chocolate into the pumpkin filling before baking, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
• Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin Bars: Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnap cookies to enhance the warm spice notes and add extra crunch to the base.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Skip baking by using gelatin to set a chilled pumpkin cheesecake filling over a graham cracker base, perfect for warmer weather and no-oven scenarios.

Perfect Pairings For Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Autumn Harvest Dessert Platter: Arrange pumpkin cheesecake bars on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks, whole pecans, and maple leaf decorations. Create a cozy fall presentation that celebrates seasonal flavors and warm textures.
• Friendsgiving Sweet Station: Display bars on elegant tiered serving plates with small decorative signs. Add complementary treats like mini pumpkin spice cookies and candied pecans to create a festive dessert buffet perfect for gathering with loved ones.
• Gourmet Coffee Pairing Experience: Serve bars alongside artisan coffee selections like pumpkin spice latte, caramel macchiato, or dark roast espresso. Include small garnishes of whipped cream and caramel drizzle to enhance the dessert's rich, creamy profile.

Proper Storage Tips For Cheesecake Bars

• Store pumpkin cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always return to the refrigerator after serving.
• Place parchment paper between layers when storing multiple bars to prevent sticking and maintain their shape during storage.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can easily make graham cracker crumbs by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin until finely ground.

• Is it necessary to use all the spices mentioned in the recipe?

While the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a classic pumpkin flavor, you can adjust or reduce the spices based on your taste preference.

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

The center should be set but slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause cracks and a dry texture, so watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent pumpkin cheesecake bars blend creamy autumn flavors with rich cream cheese and warm spices. Crumbly graham cracker crust and silky pumpkin filling make this dessert a seasonal favorite you’ll crave during holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups (about 14 full graham crackers) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C). Arrange parchment paper in a 9×13-inch baking dish or apply light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend until crumbs are uniformly moistened. Press the mixture compactly into the dish’s bottom, creating a uniform base layer.
3. Toast the crust for 8-10 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue. Transfer from oven and allow to cool while assembling the filling.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Introduce pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), and salt. Blend until forming a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
5. Gently cascade the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a set center with a subtle wobble when nudged.
6. Extract from oven and permit complete cooling within the pan. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to allow proper setting and flavor melding.
7. Slice into rectangular portions. Optional embellishments include dollops of whipped cream, drizzled caramel, chopped nuts, or a light cinnamon dusting.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• Use fresh spices for the most vibrant and aromatic pumpkin flavor, which dramatically enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake bars.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same delicious texture.
• Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and baking at a consistent temperature, which helps maintain a creamy, uniform consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg