Indulge in the ultimate fall fusion with these Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars! Blending the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin and the decadence of chocolate, this recipe is a true cozy-season showstopper. Get ready to bake up a slice of autumn-inspired bliss that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
These Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet and savory mashup, combining the creamy, lush texture of cheesecake with the warm, festive flavors of pumpkin and the rich indulgence of chocolate. Each bite is a cozy, satisfying experience that’s sure to become a new fall favorite. Plus, with chef-tested steps for reliable results, you can enjoy the comfort and zest of this epic dessert with confidence.
Ingredients
Gather up the essentials for this decadent dessert, including cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, flour, and a splash of spices to bring out the warm, autumnal notes. Of course, you’ll also need high-quality chocolate to swirl throughout the creamy pumpkin filling for that ultimate chocolatey-pumpkin experience.
- 24 ounces – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 3 – Eggs
- 1 cup – Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Ricotta cheese (for a slightly different texture)
- Pumpkin Puree: Sweet potato or butternut squash puree (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the chef-tested steps to create these indulgent Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars with confidence.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Then, gather and prepare your ingredients, softening the cream cheese and melting the chocolate to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, then gradually add in the sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree, blending until the mixture is silky-smooth. Melt the chocolate and fold it into a portion of the pumpkin filling, creating a gorgeous swirl effect as you layer the batters into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, until the center is just set. Allow them to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become delightfully creamy and firm.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the ultimate presentation, top the chilled bars with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice and serve these Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars cold, and get ready for oohs and aahs from your guests.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Twists: Experiment with different flavor combinations, such as swirling in a touch of caramel or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top.
- Crust Options: Try using a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Festive Toppings: Consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a more festive touch.
- Texture Variations: For a slightly different consistency, you can use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Storage: Store any leftover Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze individual bars for up to 2 months.
Reheat: These bars are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them.
Make-Ahead: These Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the bars, let them chill completely, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before serving.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars, knowing that each serving provides a satisfying blend of nutrients. With the creamy pumpkin filling, you’ll get a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the decadent chocolate swirl offers a dose of antioxidants and a touch of indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! To save time, you can absolutely use a pre-made graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust in place of making your own. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make these bars extra festive?
For a showstopping presentation, consider adding a dollop of homemade whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the chilled bars.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, these Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best way to get clean, even slices?
For perfectly neat slices, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and run it under hot water before slicing to get a clean, crisp cut every time.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the bars, let them chill completely, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before serving.
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
- Savory Pumpkin Pancakes With Maple Drizzle
- Pumpkin Maple Cheddar Smash Burger
Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 185 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and pumpkin with these decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for fall gatherings or any dessert lover!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
3. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. 4. Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
6. 5. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
7. 6. Pour half of the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust, then drizzle half of the melted chocolate mixture on top.
8. 7. Repeat the layers with the remaining pumpkin mixture and chocolate mixture. Use a knife to swirl the chocolate into the pumpkin.
9. 8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set.
10. 9. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars.
11.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture.
These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chocolate, pumpkin, cheesecake, dessert