The BEST Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced for the fall season. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth pumpkin-flavored cheesecake filling, this recipe is a delicious twist on classic cheesecake. Easy to make and full of cozy autumn flavors, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs, finely ground
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree, pure and unsweetened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even crust layer.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, blending until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to distribute the filling evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the cheesecake fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. Optionally, add toppings such as chocolate drizzle, spiced whipped cream, or salted caramel sauce as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Variations include adding white chocolate chips, a bourbon splash, or a nutty crust by mixing in chopped nuts.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Pumpkin cheesecake bars, pumpkin dessert, fall recipes, cheesecake bars, pumpkin pie bars, holiday dessert
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/the-best-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-recipe/
