Irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Fall’s cozy magic meets creamy decadence in these irresistible pumpkin cheesecake bars that promise pure comfort.

Layers of silky smooth filling nestle between a buttery graham cracker crust and delicate spiced topping.

Sweet pumpkin notes dance with rich cream cheese, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon and nutmeg whisper autumn’s most beloved flavors throughout each bite.

Effortless to prepare and impossible to resist, these bars blend classic bakery charm with homemade warmth.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste that will make you the star of any gathering.

Slice into these bars and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars With Tang And Sweetness

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these bars in under 90 minutes of active time, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or autumn celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Easily slice into individual servings, making these bars a convenient treat for parties, game nights, or casual family desserts that everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors, allowing busy home cooks to prepare in advance and reduce day-of stress during holiday entertaining.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Essentials

• Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, crunchy base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Choose rectangular crackers for consistent texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust. Regular white sugar works best.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture. Ensures better control of salt content.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy, smooth base of the cheesecake. Full-fat variety ensures rich texture and flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds autumn flavor and moisture. Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the filling. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. Full-fat version recommended.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Ground Cinnamon: Bring warm, classic fall flavors to the cheesecake. Fresh spices provide the best aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a subtle sweetness. Pure vanilla provides the best taste.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the other flavors in the cheesecake.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Position your oven rack and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Craft Crispy Graham Cracker Crust

• Graham crackers (crushed into fine crumbs)
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy.

• Pumpkin puree
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon

Stir in sour cream.

Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Create Luscious Layered Dessert

Pour the velvety filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to ensure a perfect distribution.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cut into squares and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Handy Notes

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a uniform, stable crust that holds together perfectly.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature and beat until silky smooth to prevent lumps and ensure a creamy, velvety cheesecake texture.
• Avoid overbaking by removing the bars when the center is slightly jiggly; use a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create moisture and prevent surface cracks.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, dense consistency that cuts cleanly.
• Customize the flavor by experimenting with different spice blends like cardamom or nutmeg, or use pumpkin pie spice for a classic autumn taste.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Storage And Serving Suggestions

• Store the pumpkin cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Move frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight to defrost slowly and maintain their creamy consistency.
• Enjoy bars chilled or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Plate Suggestions for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Warm Spiced Apple Cider: Create a cozy autumn flavor companion that complements the pumpkin cheesecake's warm spices. The sweet-tart apple notes and cinnamon undertones perfectly match the dessert's rich, creamy profile.
• Serve with Caramel Whipped Cream: Elevate the dessert by topping with a dollop of homemade caramel-infused whipped cream. The buttery caramel adds depth and enhances the pumpkin pie spices, creating a luxurious taste experience.
• Match with Bourbon Vanilla Sauce: Drizzle a smooth bourbon vanilla sauce over the bars to intensify the dessert's warmth. The subtle bourbon notes and vanilla extract bring out the cheesecake's complex flavor layers.
• Garnish with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle crunchy candied pecans on top for a delightful textural contrast. The nutty, caramelized crunch provides a perfect counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake bars.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Makeovers

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour in the filling.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Swap sour cream for coconut cream.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Use almond flour or crushed pecans for the crust. Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol. Incorporate sugar-free cream cheese and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crust with a mixture of almond flour and melted butter. Use full-fat cream cheese and a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit. Add extra spices to enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the filling creamy and rich?

Cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs create a luxurious, smooth texture that gives these bars their signature velvety consistency. The combination ensures a dense, rich cheesecake experience.

• Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure it’s thick and well-strained to prevent excess moisture that could affect the cheesecake’s texture. Strain any homemade puree through a cheesecloth to remove extra liquid.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center that’s set but not completely firm. The edges should be lightly golden, and when you gently shake the pan, the middle should have a slight wobble. This indicates the bars are done and will set perfectly when cooled.

• What makes the crust hold together well?

Graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter and a touch of sugar create a sturdy, crisp base. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and pre-baking helps the crust stay compact and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich cream cheese goodness. Smooth layers of seasonal comfort invite sweet indulgence, promising delightful moments for dessert enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 8-ounce packages full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1–1/2 cups pumpkin puree (pure, not pumpkin pie filling)

Spices and Flavorings:

• 1–1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1–1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Crust and Additional Components:

• 15 whole rectangular graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan for optimal baking configuration.
2. Craft the foundational graham cracker base by pulverizing crackers and blending with melted butter and sugar, then compress the mixture into a uniform layer across the pan’s surface.
3. Toast the crust briefly for 10 minutes to enhance structural integrity, then allow complete cooling before subsequent layers.
4. Create the luxurious cream cheese mixture by whipping softened cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, flour, and aromatic vanilla.
5. Introduce pumpkin puree and warming spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, folding gently to maintain a velvety texture.
6. Integrate sour cream for additional richness, then carefully incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated without overmixing.
7. Delicately cascade the spiced cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading with precision to guarantee an even distribution.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal flavor melding and structural stability.
10. Slice into elegant bars, serving chilled for maximum textural pleasure.

Notes

• Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won’t crumble when cutting the bars.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the cheesecake texture.
• Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste, adding more for intense warmth or less for a subtle autumn flavor profile.
• These bars can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg