Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – the ultimate creamy pumpkin dessert for cheesecake lovers! Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these irresistibly smooth and perfectly spiced bars.
Deliciously Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
As the crisp air signals the arrival of autumn, our kitchens beckon with the comforting aroma of fall spices and the warmth of freshly baked treats. Among the season’s most beloved flavors, pumpkin holds a special place, and when combined with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake, magic happens. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they are an invitation to savor the essence of fall in every bite. Perfectly portioned, delightfully smooth, and bursting with the iconic taste of pumpkin pie spice, they offer a sophisticated yet utterly satisfying experience for any cheesecake enthusiast. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for a cozy treat on a cool evening, or simply craving that unique blend of sweet and spicy, these bars are poised to become your new seasonal favorite.
While a classic round cheesecake is undoubtedly impressive, sometimes a more casual, shareable, and easy-to-serve option is exactly what you need. That’s where cheesecake bars shine! They offer all the rich, velvety texture and decadent flavor of a traditional cheesecake, but in a convenient, handheld form. No need for plates and forks if you’re on the go, and slicing is a breeze, ensuring perfectly even portions every time. This makes them an ideal choice for potlucks, holiday dessert tables, or simply enjoying throughout the week. Plus, baking in a bar pan often means a slightly quicker bake time, getting you to dessert bliss even faster. We’ve taken the timeless appeal of cheesecake and infused it with the quintessential flavors of autumn, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Baking with pumpkin, while rewarding, can sometimes present a unique challenge. Too much pumpkin puree can lead to a dense, gummy, or overly moist texture, especially in a delicate dessert like cheesecake. A truly exceptional cheesecake should always be incredibly creamy and smooth, melting in your mouth with every spoonful. The key to achieving this coveted texture in our Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars lies in striking the perfect balance between the rich cream cheese and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure the pumpkin flavor shines through beautifully, complemented by a symphony of spices, without compromising the luscious, silken consistency that defines a perfect cheesecake. You’ll find these bars are lighter in color than some deeply orange pumpkin desserts, a deliberate choice to maintain that signature creamy texture while still delivering an intense, authentic fall flavor profile. Because let’s be honest, the soul of any great pumpkin dessert truly lies in its aromatic spices.
You can enjoy these creamy cheesecake bars plain, allowing their rich flavor to speak for itself, or dress them up with your favorite toppings. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cloves, or a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate each piece to new heights. For chocolate lovers, a touch of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate would be a delightful addition. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this classic fall treat to your heart’s content!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
for the crust:
- ¾ cup crushed chocolate graham crackers
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
for the filling:
- 2 8 oz . packages cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree not pie filling!
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons and ½ pumpkin spice see note
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs slightly beaten
Instructions
to make the crust:
- Line an 8″ square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a food processor or blender, finely crush the chocolate graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until thoroughly combined and the crumbs are moist.
- Evenly press the cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a compact and level crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. This pre-baking step helps create a sturdy and slightly crisp foundation for your cheesecake bars.
to make the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for about 30 seconds until it is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree (remember, use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling!) and mix thoroughly until the color is uniform and the pumpkin is well blended into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice blend, and salt. Mix gently until just combined.
- Add the slightly beaten large eggs and mix on low speed until they are just incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can introduce too much air and cause cracks in the baked cheesecake.
- Pour the creamy pumpkin filling evenly over the pre-baked crust in the prepared pan. Gently tap the pan against the counter several times to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.
- Bake the cheesecake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 4 hours. For the best texture and flavor, chilling overnight is highly recommended.
- Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to carefully lift the entire cheesecake from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between each cut for neat slices.
- Serve your delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars and enjoy the taste of fall!
topping:
- If desired, enhance your bars by topping each piece with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a delicate dash of ground cloves, and a luscious drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Other delicious options include a sprinkle of cinnamon, toasted pecans, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
If you do not have a pre-made pumpkin spice blend on hand, you can easily create your own by combining 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg. This will provide a similar warm and inviting spice profile.
Recipe source: Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!Related Recipes You’ll Love:
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