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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan for optimal baking configuration.
- 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.
- Toast the crust briefly for 10 minutes to enhance structural integrity, then allow complete cooling before subsequent layers.
- Create the luxurious cream cheese mixture by whipping softened cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, flour, and aromatic vanilla.
- Introduce pumpkin puree and warming spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, folding gently to maintain a velvety texture.
- Integrate sour cream for additional richness, then carefully incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated without overmixing.
- Delicately cascade the spiced cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading with precision to guarantee an even distribution.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
- 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.
- 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