Description
Indulgent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars blend creamy autumn spices with silky cream cheese, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and warmth. Rich layers of seasonal flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned pumpkin
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish to create a compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Gently incorporate pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese mixture, blending until ingredients are fully integrated and color is uniform.
- Carefully pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center and minimal jiggling when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 3 hours, which helps the bars set and enhances flavor development.
- Once thoroughly chilled, cut into square bars and serve cold for optimal texture and taste.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute like stevia to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the dessert.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or toasted pecans on top before chilling to create delightful textural contrast.
- Freeze individual bars for up to one month, wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg