Description
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, spiced fall dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth pumpkin-infused cheesecake filling. Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy autumn nights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for structure)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add brown sugar and mix until combined.
- Mix in the pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices (plus flour if using) until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight).
- Slice into bars and serve chilled. Top with whipped cream or caramel, if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake—the bars will continue to firm as they cool.
- Let the bars chill fully before slicing for clean, even cuts.
- Add a streusel topping before baking for extra texture.
- Gingersnap crust adds extra spice if preferred over graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
