Autumn-Inspired Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars are an easy dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin, these bars are a must-try for anyone who loves seasonal sweets.

Pumpkin Cheesecake BrasPhoto byThyme of Season

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a divine mix of pumpkin pie and smooth cheesecake, all sitting on a tasty graham cracker crust. They're a super easy and crowd-pleasing dessert for the holidays, way simpler than making a pumpkin cheesecake.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

One of the main reasons these pumpkin cheesecake bars stand out is their texture. The buttery crust provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy filling. With every bite, you experience a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Additionally, the use of traditional pumpkin pie spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the overall taste, making it a warm and cozy option for a fall dessert.

Ingredients You Will Need for this Recipe

For the Crust:

• 15 whole rectangular graham crackers
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted but cooled to room temperature

For the Filling:

• 1-¼ cups pumpkin puree
• 1-½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Three 8-oz packages full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1-⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1-½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup full fat sour cream
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Making pumpkin cheesecake bars at home is surprisingly easy. Follow these simple instructions and enjoy this cozy, beautiful dessert.

First: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Use a 9x13 baking pan, line it with foil, and give the foil a light greasing.

Second: For the crust, place the graham crackers into a food processor and blend them until they turn into fine crumbs—you should have just over 2 cups. In another bowl, mix those crumbs with sugar and melted butter, stirring until everything's well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s even (the back of a measuring cup works great for this). Place the crust in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until it starts to get a nice golden color and smells amazing. Once done, let it cool a bit on a wire rack while you whip up the filling.

Third: For the filling: In a big bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, spices, and flour, then set it aside. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat cream cheese and sugar until it’s smooth. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and salt, scraping down the sides as you go. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each one is fully blended in.

Fourth: Take 1-½ cups of this cream cheese mixture and stir it into the pumpkin mix until it’s all combined. Now, dollop alternating a spoonful of the cream cheese and pumpkin mixtures over the crust. Use a sharp knife and gently swirl them together but be careful not to cut all the way down to the crust.

Fifth: Bake it in the center of the oven for 35-45 minutes. You want the center to have a slight jiggle while the edges are set. Once it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack, then pop it in the fridge to chill for several hours.

Sixth: Enjoy these amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. And don't forget to share with friends and family!!

Baking season has arrived! And we can't wait to put our aprons on and start baking all kinds of delicious seasonal treats. Try this baking this amazing Pumpkin Butterscotch Skillet Cookie or these Banana Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting.

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