Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a decadent, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a hint of spice to create an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and even easier to serve. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just craving a cozy dessert, pumpkin cheesecake bars are the ideal choice.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin cheesecake bars bring together the best of both worlds: the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and the creamy, indulgent texture of cheesecake. Unlike traditional cheesecake, these bars are quicker to make and simple to slice, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a convenient grab-and-go dessert. With their velvety texture and seasonal spices, pumpkin cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit.
Here’s the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe Card for quick reference:
| Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Graham Cracker Crust | |
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Melted Butter | ½ cup |
| Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling | |
| Cream Cheese (softened) | 16 oz (2 packages) |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling) | 1 cup |
| Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt | ¼ cup |
| Pumpkin Pie Spice | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Instructions | |
| Step 1 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. |
| Step 2 | In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into prepared pan to form an even crust. |
| Step 3 | Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly. |
| Step 4 | In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars, mixing well. |
| Step 5 | Mix in pumpkin puree, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until fully combined. |
| Step 6 | Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Avoid overmixing. |
| Step 7 | Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. |
| Step 8 | Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. |
| Step 9 | Lift from pan using parchment overhang, then cut into bars. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. |
| Yield | Approximately 12-16 bars |
This recipe card provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide to making delicious pumpkin cheesecake bars. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
To make perfect pumpkin cheesecake bars, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, creamy texture and autumnal flavor.
1. Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham Crackers: The classic base for a cheesecake crust, providing a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
- Melted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness.
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: The star of any cheesecake, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and color. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A combination of both sugars adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
- Eggs: Helps bind the filling and gives it a creamy texture.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to the filling.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, giving the filling its classic fall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Follow this simple recipe to create perfectly creamy and flavorful pumpkin cheesecake bars.
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a firm, even layer.
- Bake: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the cream cheese, beating until smooth.
- Add Pumpkin Puree and Sour Cream: Mix in the pumpkin puree and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until fully combined.
- Add Spices and Vanilla Extract: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
3. Pour and Bake
- Pour the Filling over Crust: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
4. Slice and Serve
- Lift from Pan: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Cut into Squares: Slice the cheesecake into squares or rectangles. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
- Serve: Enjoy as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Avoid Overmixing: Beating too much air into the batter can cause cracks. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Chill Before Slicing: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely before cutting for cleaner slices and a firmer texture.
- Add a Crumb Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle a mixture of graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a few simple additions:
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each bar for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with Cinnamon: Dust a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added visual appeal.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For a decadent finish, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each bar before serving.
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Bars
Chocolate peppermint bark bars are a holiday classic that combine rich layers of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch, making them an ideal treat for the winter season. This recipe takes the traditional peppermint bark and transforms it into easy-to-serve bars that are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging.
Conclusion: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – A Fall Favorite
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are the perfect dessert for fall and the holiday season. With their rich pumpkin flavor, creamy texture, and buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving a cozy dessert, pumpkin cheesecake bars are a delicious, crowd-pleasing choice. Follow this recipe and these pro tips to create a batch of pumpkin cheesecake bars that are creamy, flavorful, and ready to enjoy all season long.
