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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: The Dessert That Outshines Pumpkin Pie


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Pumpkin pie has had its time—these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are easier, creamier, and far more impressive. They’re everything you love about fall flavors, transformed into a decadent, portable dessert that looks professional and tastes indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • For the Filling:
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  2. Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla. Mix in flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt just until combined.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour filling over crust and smooth the top. Bake 40–45 minutes until edges are set but the center jiggles. Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill at least 4 hours before slicing.

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months with parchment between layers. Use crushed ginger snaps or Biscoff cookies for a twist, or add chocolate chips for a decadent variation.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, fall dessert, bars, Thanksgiving, pumpkin cheesecake bars