Go Back
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup pumpkin puree - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - Pinch of salt Graham cracker crumbs form the base of the crust. They give a nice crunch. Unsalted butter helps bind everything together. Melt it for easy mixing. Pumpkin puree adds that rich, warm flavor. It also gives the bars their lovely orange color. Cream cheese is key for that smooth, creamy filling. It makes everything taste rich. Ground cinnamon and pumpkin spice blend bring warmth and depth to each bite. Eggs help set the filling, giving it the right texture. Lastly, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream for topping - Caramel drizzle for a sweet finish Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor to the crust. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. For toppings, whipped cream can make it feel more special. A drizzle of caramel can add a sweet touch. Each of these options can take your bars to the next level. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to make these delicious treats! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it hot and ready for baking. Next, you will mix the crust. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir it well until the crumbs are fully coated. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan. This forms a tasty base for your bars. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool slightly. Now, let’s make the filling. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat this together until well combined. Next, add ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend. Don’t forget a pinch of salt! Mix everything until the batter is smooth and fluffy. Pour your creamy pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Now, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You will know it's done when the center is set but still jiggles a little. After baking, allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. This step is key! Then, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to set fully. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Finally, cut them into squares to enjoy. For the full recipe, check the details above! To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, keep your oven temperature steady. Too much heat can cause the filling to rise and crack. When you bake, use a water bath for even heat. It helps the cheesecake cook slowly. Ensure the filling is smooth by mixing the cream cheese well. Beat it until creamy before adding other ingredients. Scrape the bowl often to mix evenly. This keeps lumps out of your filling. For serving suggestions, try a decorative platter to show off your bars. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice on top adds charm. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream for a fun touch. Choose a simple dish that highlights the bars. A white plate will make the colors pop. You can stack the bars for a beautiful display. For the full recipe, refer back to the details provided. Enjoy making these delicious treats! {{image_2}} You can make these pumpkin spice cheesecake bars even more fun. One way is by adding chocolate or caramel swirls. Just drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top of the cheesecake mixture before baking. Use a knife to swirl it in. This adds a rich flavor that many people love. Another option is to try alternative spice blends. Instead of pumpkin spice, you can use chai spice or apple pie spice. Both will give your bars a unique twist. Experiment with different blends to find what you like best. If you need gluten-free options, simply use gluten-free graham crackers. These taste just as good in the crust. You can also check for gluten-free flour blends if you want to make your own base. For dairy-free substitutions, use vegan cream cheese. Many brands offer good options that taste similar to regular cream cheese. You can also swap regular butter for a dairy-free version. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars without worry. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above and get started on your tasty adventure! To keep your pumpkin spice cheesecake bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works well. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This helps keep the bars from sticking together. Store them in the fridge. They stay good for about 5 days. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove all air to avoid freezer burn. These bars can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice. If you thaw them at room temperature, the taste remains good, but the texture may change slightly. Enjoy your delicious bars anytime! For the full recipe, check the details above. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. They taste even better after chilling overnight. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just be sure to refrigerate them until you are ready to serve. What can I substitute for cream cheese? You can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu as a cream cheese substitute. These options can provide a similar creamy texture. Just note that the flavor may vary slightly. What drinks pair well with cheesecake? I recommend serving these bars with coffee, tea, or apple cider. Each drink enhances the pumpkin spice flavor. A sweet dessert wine can also be a nice touch. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just cook and mash the pumpkin before adding it to your mixture. This option gives a fresher taste but requires more prep time. Why did my cheesecake bars sink? Cheesecake bars may sink if they are overmixed or baked at too high a temperature. Be careful not to overbeat the filling. Always bake at the right temperature for the best results. How can I improve the texture? To improve texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. This helps create a smooth batter. Mixing the filling at a low speed can also help prevent air bubbles. In this article, we explored how to make delicious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars. We covered key ingredients, including graham cracker crumbs and pumpkin puree. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the crust and cheesecake filling. We shared tips to avoid cracks and recommended serving ideas. With variations and storage info, you can customize your bars to suit your taste. Enjoy making these treats and impressing friends. Your kitchen is about to get cozy and delicious this fall!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars with this easy recipe! Perfect for fall gatherings, these creamy bars blend pumpkin puree with a buttery graham cracker crust. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a delectable dessert that everyone will love. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your autumn celebrations even sweeter!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

      Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.

          Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and a pinch of salt. Continue to mix until the batter is smooth and fluffy.

            Pour the cream cheese and pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles.

                Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set.

                  Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling) | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative platter and sprinkle with a dash of additional pumpkin spice on top, or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch!