How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
American · Medium · 60 min · 12 servings
These creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling. They are an irresistible dessert that combines two classic fall favorites into one stunning treat.
Why this recipe works
This Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with 5 tbsp of melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Spice
Mix in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until the filling is uniform in color and fully combined without any streaks.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour the filling over the prepared crust and bake for 38 to 40 minutes until the center is just set. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- graham cracker crumbs → crushed ginger snap cookies for extra spice
- granulated sugar → brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using cold cream cheese which creates lumps that cannot be fully blended out
- Cutting the bars before they are fully chilled which causes them to fall apart
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 5g protein, 28g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
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