Description
Indulge in these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars, a delightful fall treat that offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations, these bars bring the warmth of autumn to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- Cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
- Add the pumpkin puree and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is almost set. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into desired bar shapes.
- Serve chilled. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- For a richer crust, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker mixture.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg