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