As the crisp fall air rolls in and the scent of pumpkin and spices fills the atmosphere, it’s time to start thinking about the season’s most beloved treats. Enter Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars—the perfect fusion of two classic fall desserts. These rich and creamy bars bring the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and the smooth indulgence of cheesecake into a portable, easy-to-eat format. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just want to enjoy a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars, from gathering ingredients to the final bite. We’ll also offer tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will make your dessert stand out. Let’s get baking!
What Are Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars?
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert that combines two favorites: creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin pie. The bars have a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a layer of cheesecake filling, and topped with a pumpkin layer infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Once baked, they’re chilled to set, creating the perfect balance of smooth, tangy, and spiced flavors.
These bars offer a fun twist on traditional pumpkin pie and cheesecake, making them ideal for those who love both desserts but want something more portable or bite-sized. They can be cut into individual servings, making them a great choice for sharing at gatherings or holiday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Let’s break them down by layer: crust, cheesecake filling, and pumpkin pie layer.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree for consistency and flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added spices and sugar.
- Eggs: To help set the pumpkin layer and give it structure.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pumpkin filling.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create the signature warm flavors of pumpkin pie.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the pumpkin filling.
Cheesecake Layer
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. It will provide the richness that complements the pumpkin layer perfectly.
- Sour Cream: A bit of sour cream adds tang and a velvety texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- Egg: One egg helps bind the cheesecake filling together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cheesecake filling.
Crust
- Graham Crackers: The foundation for the crust, providing a crunchy, buttery texture that pairs well with the creamy layers.
- Butter: Melted butter holds the graham cracker crumbs together and enhances the crust’s flavor.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar sweetens the crust.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars. The recipe may seem long, but don’t worry—it’s broken down into manageable steps that anyone can follow. Grab your baking supplies, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Crush the graham crackers: In a food processor or by hand, crush the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs. If you prefer a slightly chunkier crust, you can leave some larger bits.
- Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Press the crust into a pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan, forming an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake and pumpkin layers.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for best results.
- Add the sour cream, sugar, and egg: Beat in the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Layer
- Mix the pumpkin filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Layer the pumpkin filling: Gently pour the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake filling. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the top.
Step 4: Layering the Bars
Once both layers are prepared, you’re ready to bake:
- Swirl the layers: For a marbled effect, use a knife or skewer to swirl the cheesecake and pumpkin layers together. Be careful not to overmix—just a few gentle swirls should be enough.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The top may slightly crack, but that’s perfectly normal.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling will help the bars set and make them easier to cut into neat slices.
- Cut into bars: Once fully chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can cause the pumpkin and cheesecake layers to dry out. The bars should be set in the middle, but still slightly jiggly.
- Chill thoroughly: Let the bars chill for at least 4 hours to ensure the layers set properly and slice neatly.
Variations on Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
If you or your guests have a gluten intolerance, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by swapping the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure the rest of your ingredients, such as the cheesecake filling, are also gluten-free.
Adding a Streusel Topping
For an added touch of sweetness and texture, sprinkle a buttery streusel topping over the pumpkin layer before baking. The streusel can be made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, giving the bars a delightful crunch.
Spice Up the Pumpkin Layer
If you love bold flavors, feel free to add extra spices to the pumpkin filling. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can take the flavor to the next level. Adjust the spices to your taste for a unique twist on the classic pumpkin pie flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or as a cozy dessert for a quiet evening. They can be served as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also makes for an elegant finishing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars combine two timeless fall desserts into one decadent treat that everyone will love. With their creamy cheesecake layer and spiced pumpkin filling, these bars offer the best of both worlds in a convenient, shareable form. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just for a cozy night in, these bars are sure to make a lasting impression.
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
Description
A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin pie, these Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars offer a comforting dessert with a luscious texture and rich autumn flavors. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just because!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
For the Pumpkin Layer:
For the Crust:
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Make the Pumpkin Layer:
- In a separate bowl, combine canned pumpkin, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and fully blended. Pour the pumpkin mixture on top of the cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly.
Swirl the Layers:
- Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the pumpkin mixture into the cheesecake layer to create a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl; you want distinct layers.
Bake and Cool:
- Bake the bars at 160°C for 50 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Serve:
- Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 419.99kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29.77g46%
- Saturated Fat 16.96g85%
- Trans Fat 0.71g
- Cholesterol 138.19mg47%
- Sodium 202.57mg9%
- Potassium 180.78mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 34.3g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
- Sugars 27.74g
- Protein 5.84g12%
- Vitamin A 509.89 IU
- Vitamin C 1.39 mg
- Calcium 87.6 mg
- Iron 1.18 mg
- Vitamin D 0.57 IU
- Vitamin E 1.39 IU
- Vitamin K 11.53 mcg
- Thiamin 0.05 mg
- Riboflavin 0.24 mg
- Niacin 0.51 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.08 mg
- Folate 16.79 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.27 mcg
- Phosphorus 113.72 mg
- Magnesium 16.64 mg
- Zinc 0.55 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tip: For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
Variation: For extra flavor, top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans before serving.
