Description
Enjoy these easy pumpkin cheesecake bars, a delightful dessert perfect for fall gatherings. They feature a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with spiced pumpkin, all on a graham cracker crust. These bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that brings the cozy flavors of autumn to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the pumpkin layer:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour half of this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Make the pumpkin layer: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, spices, and flour until well combined. Gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the remaining cheesecake batter until just combined.
- Layer and bake: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the plain cheesecake layer in the baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
- Cool and chill: Allow bars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step ensures clean slices and the perfect creamy texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade pumpkin puree for a richer flavor, but be sure to drain excess liquid.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, swap the graham crackers for gluten-free cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 17g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g