Description
These Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine a spiced pumpkin filling with a buttery graham cracker crust for a delicious fall dessert. Perfectly smooth and rich, these bars are ideal for holiday baking or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust base.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps for the best texture.
- Add pumpkin and sugar: Mix in the pumpkin puree and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth filling.
- Add flavorings and flour: Stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and flour until everything is blended well and the batter is smooth.
- Pour and spread filling: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake filling: Bake the assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up the cheesecake before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For clean slices, chill the bars overnight and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream or a light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
