Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced pumpkin filling.
With a buttery graham cracker crust and two delicious layers of cheesecake and pumpkin, these bars are an excellent dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or whenever you’re craving the cozy flavors of the season. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars offer a wonderful twist on traditional pumpkin pie.
A Creamy, Spiced Treat for Fall
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars blend the creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. The two layers—plain cheesecake and spiced pumpkin—create a beautiful contrast that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Reserve 1 cup of the cream cheese mixture and spread the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- To the reserved 1 cup of cream cheese mixture, add the canned pumpkin, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until smooth.
- Gently spread the pumpkin mixture over the plain cheesecake layer in the pan, creating two distinct layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bars are just set and the center is slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up.
- Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars and serve.
