Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pumpkin spice cheesecake bars! They’re like a cozy hug in dessert form. Seriously, the moment you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a crisp autumn day, leaves crunching underfoot, and the warm scent of spices wafting through the air. I whip these up every fall, and they’ve become a tradition in my home. Trust me, my friends can’t get enough of them! The creamy filling paired with the buttery graham cracker crust is simply divine. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat to enjoy while curled up on the couch. You’ll want to make these pumpkin spice cheesecake bars every year—believe me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of everything wonderful about the season.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious pumpkin spice cheesecake bars. Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results!
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making a treat that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen! Making these pumpkin spice cheesecake bars is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it. Let’s dive in!
Preparing the Crust
First things first, we need to whip up that delicious graham cracker crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Now, grab your favorite baking dish (I usually go for a 9×13-inch one) and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. It’s important to pack it down well, so it holds together when baked. You want that crust to be buttery and firm, providing a perfect base for our creamy filling!
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Now onto the star of the show—the cheesecake filling! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This part is crucial; you want to avoid any lumps. Next, add in the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix everything together on medium speed until it’s well combined and silky. Don’t rush this step; take your time to make sure it’s perfectly smooth. Trust me, that extra effort makes all the difference!
Baking and Cooling
Once your filling is ready, pour it over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Now, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. It’s super important to allow them to cool before you cut them into bars; this helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Creamy and rich cheesecake filling paired with a buttery crust
- Perfectly captures the warm flavors of fall
- Great for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience
- Impressive yet approachable for any baker
- Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success in Making Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your pumpkin spice cheesecake bars turn out perfectly, start with room temperature ingredients—this helps achieve that smooth, creamy filling. When mixing the cream cheese, beat it well to eliminate lumps; nobody wants a chunky cheesecake! After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing; this keeps them from falling apart. If you want to enhance the flavor, a dollop of whipped cream on top is a must! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They taste even better after a day or two, trust me!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover pumpkin spice cheesecake bars is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, they’re usually gone long before then! I like to cut them into bars first, so they’re ready to grab whenever that sweet craving hits.
If you want to enjoy them warm, you can pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants a melted mess! But honestly, I love them chilled, paired with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these delicious treats!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these estimates when enjoying your pumpkin spice cheesecake bars. Each bar typically contains about 250 calories, with 18 grams of sugar and 15 grams of fat. You’ll also get 4 grams of protein and 29 grams of carbohydrates. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ about Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
They’re done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little soft initially!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
What toppings pair well with these bars?
A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some caramel sauce makes for a delightful topping!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Of course! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, and you’re all set!
Check out this pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake recipe for another delicious fall treat!
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Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pumpkin spice cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator.
- Best served chilled.
- Add whipped cream on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cheesecake bars
