Description
These sweet pumpkin cheesecake bars are a delightful twist on a classic, merging the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of autumn. Each bite offers a perfectly smooth, rich filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Get ready to fall in love with these perfectly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth dessert bars. Imagine these tender bars, their golden tops just begging to be admired, ready to be savored with a cup of your favorite warm beverage.
Ingredients
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the pan’s base.
Cream softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth, then blend in pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices.
Spread the filling over the crust and bake until just set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before chilling them in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Notes
The cheesecake bars are ready when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to a dry or cracked cheesecake.
Allowing the bars to cool completely at room temperature before chilling is essential. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and helps achieve the best texture.
Using parchment paper with overhang on the sides of the pan creates easy “handles” to lift the entire block of cheesecake out for cutting.
For an extra-smooth filling, you can give the cream cheese and sugar a good whisk until no lumps remain before adding the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American