The Dreamiest Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Delectable pumpkin cheesecake bars promise a cozy autumn indulgence that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with creamy textures in this irresistible dessert.

Sweet memories of seasonal gatherings emerge with each delightful bite.

Smooth cream cheese layers mingle perfectly with rich pumpkin notes.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide a delicious foundation for this heavenly treat.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a comforting culinary hug.

Serve these magnificent squares and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure joy.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crust crispy and flavorful?

Graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar create a deliciously crunchy base that provides a sweet and buttery foundation for the cheesecake bars.

• How do the spices contribute to the pumpkin flavor?

Pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the natural pumpkin taste, creating a warm and aromatic profile that’s quintessentially autumn.

• Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps prevent overmixing and ensures a smooth, creamy texture without incorporating too much air that could cause cracking during baking.

What Makes Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars So Decadent

• Simplify Dessert Making: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these bars satisfy both cheesecake and pumpkin pie lovers with their creamy, spiced goodness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy a stress-free dessert that tastes even better after the flavors have melded together.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet cracker that creates a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and provides rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Provides the classic creamy texture and tangy flavor of cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a smooth, rich filling.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings autumn flavor and vibrant orange color to the dessert.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that complement the pumpkin and create a cozy flavor profile.

• Eggs: Help bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake bars.
• Flour: Assists in stabilizing the filling and preventing cracks.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic essence.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of other flavors.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.

Step 2: Create a Crunchy Graham Cracker Base

• Graham crackers
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter

Pulverize the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer.

Step 3: Blend Pumpkin Spice Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• All-purpose flour

Whisk together the pumpkin puree with warming spices and flour until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Salt

Beat the cream cheese until silky and soft.

Gradually add sugar and vanilla, mixing until completely incorporated.

Fold in the sour cream and salt, creating a luxuriously smooth base.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs Gently

Add eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition.

Be careful not to overmix, which can create cracks in your final dessert.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.

The filling should have a gentle wobble when you shake the pan.

Step 7: Chill and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out, then slice into neat squares.

Serve chilled and enjoy your decadent autumn treat.

Pro Tips for Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Use a food processor or place crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent, fine crumbs that create a compact, even crust.
• Drain excess liquid from pumpkin puree using a cheesecloth or paper towel to prevent a watery filling and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Bake cheesecake bars in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create humidity and prevent surface cracks.
• Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free batter.

Variations to Try with Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cream Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares: Use almond flour and chopped pecans for the crust. Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener and reduce pumpkin quantity to lower carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Autumn Harvest Plating: Dust bars with cinnamon and arrange on rustic wooden boards for a cozy farmhouse feel.
• Creamy Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the rich pumpkin flavor.
• Seasonal Garnish Touch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or candied pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and nutty warmth.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Complement the bars with a sweet dessert wine like late harvest Riesling or moscato for an elegant finish.

How to Store Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the cheesecake bars.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Avoid leaving out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain texture and prevent drying out.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake bars bring autumn’s warmth to dessert tables with irresistible charm. Rich graham cracker crust and silky pumpkin filling create a luxurious seasonal treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 8-ounce packages full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1–1/2 cups pumpkin puree

Crust Ingredients:

• 15 whole rectangular graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter (melted)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1–1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1–1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then blend with melted butter and sugar until thoroughly combined.
3. Press cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact foundation.
4. Whisk pumpkin puree with warm autumn spices and a touch of flour until smooth and integrated.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until velvety, incorporating vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
6. Gently fold pumpkin mixture into cream cheese base, adding sour cream and a pinch of salt to enhance overall taste profile.
7. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing minimally to maintain a silky texture and prevent over-beating.
8. Carefully pour the luxurious filling over the graham cracker crust, ensuring even distribution.
9. Bake at 350°F for approximately 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for roughly 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours to set and develop rich, complex flavors.
12. Lift from pan using parchment edges, slice into elegant bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calorie content.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
• For a dairy-free adaptation, replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg