Description
Indulgent pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with creamy richness, creating a dessert that celebrates seasonal flavors. Spiced graham cracker crust and silky pumpkin filling invite you to savor fall’s delightful essence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
- Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined, then firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan’s bottom. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let cool.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until creamy and uniform, scraping down sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
- Incorporate pumpkin puree, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into the cream cheese mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
- Gently pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a level surface.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden and pulling away from the pan’s sides.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to allow bars to set firmly and develop rich flavor.
- Using parchment paper overhang, lift bars from pan and slice into squares. Optionally garnish with dollops of whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed for a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a silky, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends seamlessly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles and cracks on the surface of your cheesecake bars.
- Experiment with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that’s equally delicious.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg