Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars! Creamy and rich, these bars feature a delicious graham cracker crust and the perfect blend of pumpkin and spices. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, they promise to impress everyone at your table.
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (can be canned or freshly made)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
Whipped cream for topping (optional, but highly recommended)
Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional, for added texture and decoration)
![To make these bars, you need some key items: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature These ingredients form the base of your dessert. The graham cracker crumbs create a crunchy crust, while the cream cheese gives it a rich, creamy texture. For the delicious pumpkin flavor, gather these items: - 1 cup pumpkin puree (can be canned or freshly made) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pumpkin puree is the star of these bars. It adds moisture and a lovely orange hue. The eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla adds a sweet note. Spices bring warmth and depth to your cheesecake bars. You will need: - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon salt These spices give your bars that classic fall flavor. They work together to create a cozy, inviting taste. The salt balances the sweetness, making every bite delightful. For the full recipe and instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy lifting. 3. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. 4. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Then, press it firmly into the bottom of your dish. 1. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. 2. Gradually mix in ½ cup of granulated sugar. Keep mixing until well blended. 3. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. 4. Mix until the filling is smooth and uniform. 1. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. 2. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. 3. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should jiggle slightly when tapped. 4. After baking, let the bars cool to room temperature. 5. Move them to the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill and set completely. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cheesecake bars! - Ensuring a smooth filling: Start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese makes lumps. Use a hand mixer to blend until creamy. This step helps create a silky texture in your filling. - Tips for a well-formed crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter well. Press this mixture firmly into the pan. Aim for an even layer to make each bite delightful. Bake until just golden. This gives the crust a sturdy base. - Garnishing ideas: Top each bar with whipped cream for a rich touch. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds adds a nice crunch. You can also drizzle caramel sauce for extra sweetness. - Ideal pairings for the bars: Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai. The warmth of the drink balances the creamy bars. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs well for a treat. - Overmixing the filling: Mix just until smooth. Overmixing can add air, making the cheesecake puff during baking. This can lead to cracks as it cools, so be gentle. - Not cooling properly: Let the bars cool at room temperature first. Then, chill them in the fridge. This step is key for a firm texture. If you cut them too soon, they may crumble. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your pumpkin cheesecake bars with a few fun twists. Here are two great ideas: - Chocolate pumpkin cheesecake bars: Add melted chocolate to your filling for a rich, sweet treat. Use about 4 ounces of dark chocolate. Melt it and mix it in with the cream cheese before adding the pumpkin puree. This adds depth and a touch of indulgence. - Maple pumpkin cheesecake bars: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup. Use ¾ cup of maple syrup instead of the sugar. This gives a lovely caramel-like flavor to the bars. It’s warm and sweet, perfect for fall. If you need to adjust for dietary needs, here are some options: - Gluten-free options for the crust: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust. Mix it with melted butter just like in the original recipe. This way, everyone can enjoy these bars. - Vegan substitutions: Swap cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For eggs, use flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This works great for binding and adds nutrition. You can also bring in seasonal flavors to your pumpkin cheesecake bars: - Adding cranberry for a festive touch: Toss in some fresh or dried cranberries into the filling. About ½ cup will do. This adds a tart contrast to the sweet pumpkin flavor. It also looks great on a holiday table. - Using a different spice blend: Change up the spices to create a unique taste. Try adding cardamom or allspice along with cinnamon and nutmeg. Just use ½ teaspoon of your chosen spice. This gives a new spin to the classic flavor profile. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section! You can keep pumpkin cheesecake bars at room temperature for a short time. If you plan to eat them within a few hours, store them in a cool, dry place. However, for longer storage, refrigeration is best. Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out. When storing in the fridge, cover your cheesecake bars with plastic wrap or foil. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. They will stay fresh for up to five days. Freezing pumpkin cheesecake bars is a great option for longer storage. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the bars for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take the bars out of the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them nice and creamy. You can also thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. In the fridge, your pumpkin cheesecake bars will last about five days. After that, they may start to lose their flavor and texture. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, discoloration, or a watery texture. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the bars away. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. For a delicious treat that lasts, follow these storage tips. They will help you enjoy your pumpkin cheesecake bars long after baking. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin gives a bright flavor. It also has a firmer texture. This can enhance your bars. However, it requires more work. You need to roast and puree the pumpkin first. Canned pumpkin is very convenient. It is ready to use and has a consistent flavor. If you want a richer taste, use fresh. Making these bars ahead is easy. You can prepare them a day before serving. Just follow the recipe and cool them completely. After cooling, cover them tightly. Store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also freeze them. Cut the bars into squares and wrap them well. They can last for about three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge before serving. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, use mascarpone. It has a similar texture and taste. Another option is Greek yogurt. It is lower in fat and adds a bit of tang. For a non-dairy choice, use cashew cream. Soak cashews in water, blend until smooth, and use it in place of cream cheese. Each option will change the flavor slightly, so choose based on your taste! Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a delightful treat with simple ingredients and easy steps. We discussed the elements that make these bars great, like cream cheese and spices. You learned the importance of proper baking and storage methods. Remember, avoid common mistakes like overmixing. Explore the variations and storage tips to match your taste. With these insights, you can create your own delicious bars. Enjoy each bite and make these treats a favorite in your kitchen!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e349c3b3-3c10-44fa-a911-22efd2c08a0c-250x250.webp)