Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Enchanting Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Magic

Autumn’s golden embrace arrives with these decadent pumpkin cheesecake bars that melt hearts and spark joy.

Creamy layers of rich spiced filling nestle between buttery graham cracker crusts, creating a dessert that whispers comfort.

Warm cinnamon and velvety pumpkin dance together in perfect harmony, promising an indulgent experience.

Every bite tells a story of cozy afternoons and seasonal celebrations.

The delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors transforms a simple dessert into a memorable treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these irresistible bars with ease and confidence.

Prepare to be the star of your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing seasonal sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 262 kcal

Servings: 12

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Ingredient Checklist

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a delightful, crunchy foundation with warm, sweet undertones that complement the creamy filling.
  • Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that elevates the graham cracker base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a luxurious, smooth texture and tangy richness to the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Balances sweetness and adds depth with caramel-like notes.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Introduces a vibrant autumn flavor and beautiful orange color.
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps set the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, fragrant sweetness that enhances other flavors.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Blends warm spices for a quintessential fall taste profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Amplifies the seasonal warmth and complements the pumpkin.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor complexity.
For Optional Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Offers a light, airy contrast to the dense, rich bars.
  • Chopped Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.

Tools to Layer Cheesecake With Fall Flavor

  • 9×9-inch baking pan: Perfect size for creating evenly sized cheesecake bars.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining crust ingredients and creating smooth cheesecake filling.
  • Electric mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and blend ingredients to creamy consistency.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading crust mixture and scraping bowl contents.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bars to cool evenly after baking.
  • Sharp knife: Helps create clean, precise cuts when serving bars.

How to Bake Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares

  • Craft The Crust

Press graham cracker mixture into a lined 9×9-inch pan. Warmly bake the base until it sets with a golden hint, creating a sturdy foundation for your delectable dessert.

  • Whip The Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, folding in pumpkin puree and spices. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient dances together harmoniously, creating a luscious cheesecake texture.

  • Assemble And Bake

Gently pour the pumpkin-infused filling over the cooled crust. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the center wobbles slightly, signaling perfect doneness.

  • Chill And Transform

Allow the bars to cool naturally, then nestle in the refrigerator. Let them rest and set, developing deeper flavors and a sublime, creamy consistency.

  • Slice And Celebrate

Remove from the fridge, cut into elegant squares, and indulge in these autumn-inspired cheesecake bars that promise to delight every taste bud.

Toppings and Crust Ideas for Creative Twists

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly and ensures a silky texture.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly crust that maintains the same delicious crunch.
  • These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator, making them an excellent option for stress-free entertaining and holiday gatherings.
  • Enhance the bars with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavor profile and add visual appeal.
  • Use a hot, clean knife wiped between each cut to create clean, professional-looking bars that slice effortlessly and look picture-perfect on your dessert plate.

Chill and Serve Bars for Any Autumn Gathering

  • Autumn Spice Pairing: Serve these bars alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or chai tea to enhance the seasonal pumpkin flavors and create a cozy dessert experience.
  • Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a festive platter with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and some candied pecans for an elegant thanksgiving or holiday gathering presentation.
  • Creamy Topping Delight: Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add extra richness and visual appeal to the dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Party Treat: Prepare these bars a day in advance, cut them into perfect squares, and store in an airtight container for an easy, stress-free dessert that's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Keep Bars Fresh in the Fridge Until Ready

  • Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Prepare the entire dessert up to 3 days before serving. The flavors will intensify, creating an even more delectable treat for your guests.
  • Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the creamy texture to shine and making each bite more enjoyable.
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Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with rich, silky indulgence. Spiced graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese create a delightful dessert that welcomes seasonal comfort on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1012 crackers)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Calibrate oven to 325°F (163°C). Arrange parchment paper in a 9×9-inch baking vessel, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
  2. Crust Assembly: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Compress the blend uniformly across the pan’s base. Transfer to oven and toast for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
  3. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars, blending until luxuriously creamy. Introduce pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend thoroughly until mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency.
  4. Baking Process: Cascade cheesecake mixture over the pristine crust. Position in preheated oven and bake 35-40 minutes, monitoring until center sets with a subtle tremor when gently nudged.
  5. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to rest at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill minimum 3 hours (preferably overnight) to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
  6. Serving Presentation: Extract from refrigerator, slice into precise squares, and serve chilled for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for a consistent and stable crust base.
  • Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake when the center is slightly jiggly; it will continue setting during cooling.
  • Bring cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling and better incorporation.
  • Blot excess liquid from pumpkin puree using paper towels to prevent watery cheesecake and maintain a dense, creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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