Description
Rich pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn spices with creamy cheesecake in a delightful dessert. Warm cinnamon and graham cracker crust complement the smooth filling, offering you a perfect seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pumpkin puree
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a uniform base by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a cohesive mixture.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture across the entire bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan, creating an even, compact foundation.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate canned pumpkin, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm autumnal spices into the cream cheese blend, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
- Gently fold flour into the mixture, ensuring a velvety, homogeneous filling without overmixing.
- Delicately cascade the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the bars to bake for 40-45 minutes until the center sets and edges develop a gentle golden hue.
- Remove from oven and permit the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps stabilize the texture.
- Once cooled, slice into neat squares and serve, revealing the luscious layers of crust and creamy filling.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version that maintains delicious flavor.
- Add extra warmth with freshly grated nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the pumpkin spice profile and create deeper autumn-inspired notes.
- Chill bars overnight to develop richer flavors and achieve a firmer, more stable texture that cuts cleanly and looks professional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg